Cassia Tree Propagation: How To Propagate A Golden Shower Tree

Golden shower tree (Cassia fistula) is such a beautiful tree and so easy to grow that it makes sense you would want more. Fortunately, propagating cassia golden shower trees is relatively simple if you follow a few basic rules. Read on for information about how to propagate a golden shower tree.

Cassia Tree Propagation

Golden shower trees only thrive in very warm temperatures like USDA plant hardiness zones 10b and 11. They do well in southern Florida, Central America, and the Caribbean. In toasty regions, these ornamentals grow quickly to their mature size. They can get as big as 40 feet (12 m.) tall and wide. The trees drop leaves in early spring to prepare for the flowers to come. The golden shower display is most gorgeous in late spring to early summer, when heavy clusters of showy golden blooms cover the branches. Once the blossoms fade, you’ll see the 2 foot (61 cm.) long seedpods. Dark brown and impressive, they hang on the tree all winter long. Each seedpod holds between 25 and 100 seeds. It is these seeds that are used for cassia tree propagation. When it comes to propagating cassia golden shower trees, the key is collecting the seeds when they are mature but not overripe. You’ll do best to watch the pod’s development closely if you are interested in golden shower propagating. When to propagate a golden shower tree? Watch the pod as it ripens. It is mature when it turns dark brown or black. If the seeds rattle when you shake the pod, they are ready to propagate.

How to Propagate a Golden Shower Tree

Once you have determined that the seeds are ripe, it is time to start propagating cassia golden shower trees. You’ll want to extract the seeds with gloves on, since they can be toxic. Select unblemished, dark brown pods for best results. Cassia trees will propagate from seeds all year long, but it’s recommended to plant in summer. The seeds germinate best when the days are long with extra hours of sunshine. Rinse the seeds in warm water to remove the dark pulp, then scarify the seed coat. Scarifying means you should rub the seed edge with a rasp to create a weak area. Don’t create holes in the seed coat since that will stop golden shower propagating and kill the seed. After you have scarified the seeds in preparation for cassia tree propagation, soak them in cold water for 24 hours. Plant each seed in its own gallon (4 L.) pot with drainage holes on the bottom. Fill the pots with lightweight, sterile medium. Sow the seeds 1 inch (2.5 cm.) deep, then position the pots in a warm, bright location. You’ll see the first seedling within a month. All you need to do is keep the top few inches (8 cm.) of medium moderately moist during the time of germination.