Pterocarpus santalinus (red sandalwood) is a light-demanding deciduous tree native to southern India, prized for its red heartwood. Seeds have hard coats requiring scarification or chemical treatment for germination.
Before sowing
Scarification
mecanica Hard seed coat requires scarification; can also be soaked in water for 24 hours or in cow dung slurry for 72 hours
Soak
24 h Cold water soaking for 72 hours or cow dung slurry soaking for 72 hours as alternative treatments
GA3 (gibberellic acid) + BA (benzyladenine) at 250 PPM improves early and optimum germination
Sowing
Substrate
Well-drained red loam soil with sand and farmyard manure mixture; slightly acidic
Depth
levemente_coberta
Temperature
26°C
Moisture
alta
Container
Polybags or nursery beds
What to expect
Step 1
Pre-treat the seed
Step 2
Sow at levemente_coberta · 26°C
Day 10–21
Seedlings emerge (~55%)
Tips
Keep soil moist and warm; seedling survival approximately 40%. Light is essential for germination. Tree grows best in tropical/subtropical climates with mean annual temperature 26-32°C and 800-1000mm annual rainfall. Not frost tolerant (killed below 0°C).
Sources: Vikaspedia, Grokipedia, Botanical research, Journal of Forestry Research
