Salvadora persica (toothbrush tree) is an evergreen shrub/small tree native to arid regions of Middle East, North Africa, and India. Seeds have physical dormancy requiring scarification and warm imbibition for successful germination. Optimal seedling growth occurs at 15/25°C with fresh seeds showing best results.
Before sowing
Remove fruit pulp before sowing to eliminate germination inhibitors; seeds should be fresh and not dry-stored
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Fresh seeds germinate better than stored seeds; seeds stored dry for 12+ months show reduced germination; avoid salinity in growing medium; seeds in 12h photoperiod germinate better than darkness; maintain moist but not waterlogged conditions; seedlings ready for transplanting after 4-6 months of growth
Sources: Hadi et al. (2018) - ScienceDirect Seed germination study; Tripathi et al. (2010) - Ecology of seed germination; Agroforestree Database; Multiple botanical databases and cultivation guides
