Kigelia pinnata, the sausage tree, is native to tropical Africa with distinctive sausage-shaped fruits and striking dark red flowers that bloom at night, pollinated by bats and insects.
Before sowing
Scarification
mecanica Rubbing on sandpaper until seed coat is rubbed through recommended; without scarification germination can be very slow
Soak
24 h Soak in warm water for 24-48 hours before sowing; some sources recommend overnight soaking
No pretreatment strictly required but germination rate is poor without scarification and soaking
Sowing
Substrate
river sand or sandy compost, herb/vegetable seed soil suitable
Depth
1cm
Temperature
25°C
Moisture
alta
Container
seedling trays
What to expect
Step 1
Pre-treat the seed
Step 2
Sow at 1cm · 25°C
Day 7–25
Seedlings emerge
Tips
Keep substrate wet until seeds germinate then maintain even moisture; cover pot with greenhouse or freezer bag to prevent drying; seeds germinate easily and tree develops very fast; seeds are approximately 1 cm long
Sources: World Agroforestry Centre, Plant World Seeds, Rare Exotic Seeds, The Seedstead, Grow and Care, Strictly Medicinal Seeds, Daves Garden
