Description
Unusual and interesting tree with pinnate foliage which emerges green in spring and turns bright yellow in autumn. Bears lovely panicles of yellow flowers in summer followed by strange, yet attractive lantern-like, inflated, bronze-pink fruits. Easy to grow from seed.
Hardy Tree (to -5C) Protect when young and in extreme winters until mature
Height: up to 10m
Position: Sun and well drained soil
Pre-sowing Treatment: Pour several lots of boiling water over seeds then leave to soak for 24 hours or until the seeds start to swell.
Sowing Instructions: Can be sown at any time of year. Sow evenly in moist seed compost mixed with vermiculite or perlite and just cover the seeds with sieved compost, vermiculite or perlite. Seal in a polythene bag and place in fridge for 3 weeks, then transfer to a propagator or other warm place and maintain at 15 to 18C until after germination which usually takes 30-60 days.
Growing Instructions: When seedlings have emerged, open the bag or propagator vents and grow on in cooler conditions (13-16C). When the seedlings are at least 2” tall, carefully pot them up into 7.5 or 9cm pots and grow on out of direct sunlight, protecting the young trees from frost for the first couple of winters. Harden off in spring and plant out in a sunny position.