Paulownia elongata, commonly known as the Empress Tree or Pink Empress Tree, is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to central and western China. The species is renowned for its exceptional growth rate and attractive lavender-white flowers. Seed germination is light-dependent and requires consistent moisture and warm conditions, with cold stratification significantly improving germination rates.
Before sowing
Cold stratification for 30 days or dry storage for 165 days significantly improves germination. Freshly harvested seeds exhibit non-deep physiological dormancy.
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Surface-sow seeds on moist substrate without covering. Provide constant light and maintain 18-25°C temperature (ideally 25°C). Daily ventilation is essential to prevent fungal disease and damping off. Avoid waterlogging while maintaining high humidity using a transparent cover. Perform cold stratification (4°C for 30 days) or dry storage for at least 165 days before sowing to break dormancy and improve germination. Remove plastic cover once seedlings show 1-2 true leaves. Gradually acclimate to direct sunlight over 1-2 weeks. Transplant when seedlings reach 10-15 cm with 2-3 true leaves. Young seedlings are susceptible to frost and require protection.
Sources: Liu et al. (2017), Australian Seed, GreenSeed Paulownia, University of Kentucky FOR-39, INGENTA Connect, Plant World Seeds
