Caesalpinia pulcherrima is a tropical shrub species native to the Americas, belonging to the Fabaceae family, and is nationally celebrated as the flower of Barbados. The yellow variety features vibrant golden flowers with contrasting red stamens in clusters. Seeds have a hard, impermeable coat requiring pre-treatment, and germination is neutral photoblastic (independent of light) but requires warm temperatures for optimal success.
Before sowing
Hard seed coat is impermeable to water and prevents imbibition. Germination may be improved by soaking scarified seeds in saltpetre solution (1 teaspoon per liter of water).
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Seeds need hot temperatures to germinate; 30°C (85°F) is recommended for best results and vigor. Scarification is essential to break dormancy caused by the hard seed coat. Maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. Newly harvested seeds germinate better than stored seeds; stored seeds may develop secondary dormancy. Germination can be erratic even under ideal conditions. Once seedlings emerge, provide ample light and gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions. Easily propagated from seeds when treated properly.
Sources: Ferro et al. (2019) - Journal of Agricultural Science; Alves et al. (2018) - Ciência Rural; Sheffield's Seed Company; North Carolina Extension; University of Florida IFAS; Missouri Botanical Garden
