Bombax ceiba, commonly known as red silk-cotton tree or kapok tree, is a large fast-growing deciduous tree native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. Seeds are propagated artificially through seed collection and direct sowing with minimal pre-treatment requirements.
Before sowing
Soak
24 h Soaking in warm water for 24 hours is beneficial to enhance viability and soften the seed coat
Fresh seeds have high germination rates without pre-treatment; pre-soaking of 24 hours improves viability for dried seeds
Sowing
Substrate
sandy loam mix, well-draining seedbed
Depth
levemente_coberta
Temperature
26°C
Moisture
alta
Container
seedbeds or trays
What to expect
Step 1
Pre-treat the seed
Step 2
Sow at levemente_coberta · 26°C
Day 10–25
Seedlings emerge (~52%)
Tips
Sow in sunny position; keep consistently moist at 75-85°F (24-29°C); sprouting occurs in 10-25 days; transplant 5cm tall seedlings to individual containers and plant out after 12 months; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Sources: Grokipedia, PFAF Plant Database, Botanikks, EarthOne, FlowersLib, multiple seed propagation guides
