The flamboyant (Delonix direction) is a tropical tree known worldwide for its spectacular flowering and the dense shade provided by its foliage. Although native to Madagascar, it now graces parks and gardens on various continents thanks to the ease with which its seeds multiply and the tree's resilience once established.
Although its numbers in the wild have declined in some places, the species is easily multiplied in gardening thanks to its abundant seeds and easy cultivation. In this comprehensive tutorial, you'll learn everything you need to know to grow and grow your own garden. sow flamboyant seeds and succeed from the first attempt, in addition to care, recommendations, alternative methods, and useful details that resolve the most frequently asked questions about the germination process, inspired by the real-life experience shared by amateurs and experts.
Why plant flamboyant seeds?
The flamboyant stands out for its red, orange or yellow flowers They sprout in spectacular clusters, decorating any space with their color. It's also a fast-growing tree, especially if grown from seed, and provides numerous benefits, such as:
- Provide shade thanks to its wide and abundant leaves.
- Beautify gardens and avenues with its striking flowering.
- Promote biodiversity, being a refuge for birds and pollinating insects.
Planting flamboyant is a rewarding and easy activity, perfect for both beginners and experienced gardeners who want to experiment with fast-growing species.
Materials and preparations before planting flamboyant
To ensure successful germination, you must prepare all the necessary material and choose the right time of year to sow, since the flamboyant needs warm temperatures to sprout properly. Essential materials include:
- Mature flamboyant seeds: They should be well formed, dry and extracted from fully ripe pods (dark brown).
- Sandpaper fine-grained to scarify the hard seed coat.
- Glass or plastic cups to soak and treat the seeds.
- Hot water and water at room temperature.
- small strainer to safely handle seeds when dipping.
- Seedling trays, small pots or recycled containers (for example, yogurt, milk or similar) that are well cleaned.
- Specific substrate for seedbeds, preferably light and sterile (avoid heavy or clayey soils).
- Multipurpose fungicide in spray or copper powder.
- Watering can or sprayer for irrigation.
- Warm and sunny place to place the seedbed (ideally with temperatures above 20ºC).
If you want to maximize germination percentage, make sure to disinfect the containers If they have been used previously, to avoid contamination by fungi or bacteria.
Step by Step: How to Sow Flamboyant Seeds Correctly
Next, we show you how to plant flamboyant seeds Step by step, integrating all the proven methods and tricks to ensure maximum success rate:
- Selection and preparation of seeds
The seeds must be ripe and dry. If you extract them directly from the pods, make sure they are brown and crisp, as green or immature seeds tend to have lower viability. If you have seeds that you've stored for a long time, don't worry: they will retain their germination potential for several years if stored in a cool, dry place. - Mechanical scarification (sanding of the seed)
The flamboyan has a hard cover This makes it difficult for water to enter. To break their natural dormancy, take each seed and gently rub one end of it with sandpaper until you notice a color change (the dark brown layer will give way to a lighter shade). You must do this carefully to avoid damaging the embryo; 3 to 5 passes are usually sufficient. - Heat treatment (hot water)
Heat water until it's very hot, but not boiling. Fill a glass and submerge the seeds (you can use a sieve to avoid burns) for a full second. Remove them immediately: the idea is to cause a thermal shock to facilitate the entry of moisture without damaging the embryo. - Prolonged soaking
After heat treatment, transfer the seeds to another glass of room-temperature water and soak them for 12 to 48 hours. Some guides suggest periods of 12, 24, or even 48 hours. If you do both treatments (scarification and soaking), the success rate is very high. - Sowing in seedbed
After soaking, fill the seedbeds or pots with specific substrate for germination. Moisten the soil beforehand and place one or two seeds per container, burying them no more than 1 cm deep. Cover lightly with substrate and press gently to ensure good contact with moisture. - Fungicide application
Before watering, sprinkle a little copper powder (as if salting the soil) or spray fungicide on the surface. This will prevent the growth of fungi, which often attack seeds or young seedlings, especially if the environment is warm and humid. - Heat and light conditions
Place the seedlings in a warm location with plenty of indirect light or direct sun, depending on the local climate. germinates better at temperatures above 20ºC, with spring and summer being the best seasons. You can cover the seedbed with perforated, clear plastic to retain moisture (without it touching the seeds) in dry climates. - Adequate watering
Keep the soil moist but never waterlogged. Water when the top layer begins to dry, using a fine-bore watering can or spray bottle to avoid digging up the seeds. Excess water can cause rot, so it's better to underwater than overwater. - Patience
La Germination usually occurs between 2 and 4 weeks, although sometimes it may take a little longer, depending on the conditions. It's normal for some seeds to sprout sooner than others.
Recommendations and alternative methods for germinating flamboyant
El treatment of flamboyant seeds This is a key aspect for improving the success rate. In addition to the method explained, there are other techniques that can be used, based on experiences gathered in specialized forums and guides:
- Prolonged soaking in hot water: Soak seeds in hot (not boiling) water for 2-5 minutes, then transfer to lukewarm water about 24-48 hours before sowing.
- Simple soaking without scarificationIf the seeds are already somewhat worn or the coating is not very hard, they can germinate with just a 24 to 48 hour soak, although the success rate is usually lower.
- Absorbent paper methodAfter scarifying, place the seeds between damp napkins in a sealed plastic container and leave it in a warm place. Once the first roots appear, carefully transplant them into the substrate.
- Sprouting bagSimilar to the previous example, use a partially sealed plastic bag with seeds sandwiched between cotton balls or damp paper. This allows for better humidity control and allows you to observe when they germinate.
All these methods have one principle in common: facilitate the entry of water inside the seed, breaking the dormancy and accelerating germination. The key is to always maintain the hygiene to avoid fungal or bacterial infections.
Post-germination care of the flamboyant
Once germinated, flamboyant seedlings require special attention to grow healthy and vigorous:
- Abundant sunlightPlace the pots or trays in the sunniest spot available. If growing indoors, it's recommended to do so near a sunny window, but never in direct sunlight during the hottest hours if the plant isn't acclimatized.
- Stable temperatureFlamboyant prefers warm environments, avoiding sudden temperature changes. Ensure a constant temperature of at least 20°C until the seedlings are well established.
- Moderate wateringThe substrate should be kept moist but never soaked. In summer, it may require two to four waterings per week; in winter, one or two, depending on ambient humidity. It is preferable to water at the base to prevent fungal diseases.
- Subscriber: When the cotyledons (first simple leaves) fall off and the seedling develops true leaves, you can start adding liquid fertilizer every 15 or 20 days, always following the recommended doses.
- TransplantWhen the roots emerge from the drainage holes, transplant it to a larger pot with universal potting soil. If your climate is warm year-round, you can plant it directly in the ground when it reaches a height of over 30 cm.
- Protection against low temperaturesFlamboyant is sensitive to cold. If there's a risk of frost where you live, move the plants to well-lit interiors or protect them with thermal blankets during the critical months.
- Control of pests and diseasesMaintain regular checks. The most common problems are fungus due to excess water or pests (aphids, scale insects) in poorly ventilated areas.
Common mistakes when planting flamboyant seeds and how to avoid them
Many hobbyists experience difficulties when planting flamboyant flowers due to common mistakes. To help you achieve optimal results, here's a compilation of the most common ones, along with their solutions:
- Unscarified seeds: If you do not repair the cover, water will not penetrate easily and germination will be low or non-existent.
- Excess of waterThe flamboyant tree doesn't tolerate waterlogged soils. An overly humid environment encourages the growth of fungi and rotting of seeds or seedlings.
- Insufficient light: Seedlings grow weak and leggy if they do not receive direct sunlight.
- cold temperaturesBelow 15-18°C, the process slows or stops completely. Wait for the warm season to sow.
- Inadequate substrate: Heavy, clayey or poorly drained substrates prevent root development.
- Do not treat with fungicideIn humid environments, preventive treatment is highly recommended every 15 days until the plant is one year old.
Frequently asked questions about planting flamboyant
- Can you plant old flamboyant seeds?
Yes, flamboyant seeds remain viable for several years if stored in cool, dry conditions. Scarification and soaking help "wake them up." - What is the best time to plant flamboyant?
Spring and summer are the ideal seasons, when minimum temperatures exceed 20ºC. - How long does it take to germinate?
Normally between 2 and 4 weeks, although it may vary depending on temperature, seed quality and method used. - Can you grow flamboyant in a pot?
Yes, especially during the first 2 to 3 years. It can then be transplanted into the ground if the climate permits. - How to remove seeds from their pods?
When the pod is dry and brown, carefully open it (sometimes you need to use a knife or pliers). The seeds will be hard and dark brown. - Should the shell be removed from seedlings?
It's not necessary. If a seedling still has some of the skin attached to the shoot, you can gently remove it only if you notice it's preventing the first leaves from opening.
Other useful tips for future flamboyants
- Correctly identify the species: There are similar species such as the yellow flamboyant (Peltophorum pterocarpum) or caesalpinia (Caesalpinia pulcherrima), which also produce seed-filled pods but have different requirements.
- Year-round seed productionIn tropical climates, the flamboyant can flower and produce seeds several times a year.
- Seed viabilityDon't discard seeds just because they're old. You can perform a viability test: place them in a glass of water; those that sink are usually viable.
- Indoor germinationIf your climate is cold, you can germinate the seeds indoors, near a source of heat and light, and transplant them outdoors when the weather is favorable.
Where to buy flamboyant seeds
If you don't have access to a flamboyan tree from which to collect the seeds, you can buy flamboyant seeds online in specialized gardening stores or trusted platforms. It's important to always check the seller's reputation and the freshness of the product to ensure viability.
Enjoy the process of planting your own flamboyant tree and watch it grow and transform your space. With these tips, techniques, and tricks, you'll have a much greater chance of success and can boast one of the most spectacular trees on the planet in your garden, terrace, or favorite green space.