Cassia grandis, commonly known as Pink Shower Tree or Coral Shower, is a semi-deciduous tree native to Central and South America, prized for its spectacular coral-pink flowers and rapid growth. Seeds possess a hard, impermeable coat and exhibit dormancy, requiring mechanical scarification and warm water immersion to achieve germination rates exceeding 60% within 8-21 days.
Before sowing
Mechanical scarification and water immersion essential to overcome seed dormancy caused by hard seed coat.
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Sow pretreated seeds 6-10mm deep in warm, moist substrate (18-25°C). Maintain high substrate humidity and provide bright, indirect light. Seeds germinate rapidly once pretreatment overcomes dormancy. When seedlings reach 4-6cm height, pot individually and grow for 5-6 months before transplanting. Be patient—some seeds may germinate beyond 21 days under adequate conditions. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. Seedlings require protection from temperature fluctuations and pests.
Sources: Sheffield's Seed Company, Australian Seed, Tropical Plants Database, Plants for a Future (PFAF), Useful Tropical Plants (theferns.info), Missouri Botanical Garden, scientific literature on Cassia grandis seed dormancy
