[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Baobabs produce a large fruit which are filled with hard kidney-shaped seeds. These seeds are “nature-designed” to survive harsh conditions and to germinate at exactly the right time so that the young seedling can grow and survive in the wild. Our job is to crack that code by mimicking the natural conditions that stimulate germination and allow the seedlings to grow successfully.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_ =”5394″ img_size=”Large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Seed selection
If you live in Africa, make sure that you use seed that comes from your local area or from your region. Baobabs differ genetically from region to region so it’s best to use seed from your closest population. For example, it is not advisable to plant seed sourced in West Africa in southern Africa. It is important to do this as trees are best adapted to local conditions and to avoid genetic contamination in the future.
If you live outside of Africa then you have a choice of 8 species of baobab, one from Australia, six from Madagascar and one species from mainland Africa. The mainland African one (Adansonia digitata) will have regional variations. Where you get the seed from is your choice, but it will be valuable to document where you get your seed and which species it is as most baobabs look very similar for the first 100 years.
Baobab seeds love hot humid conditions with long day-light hours, so the best time of the year to plant them will be in the middle of your summer season. If you live in an area with winter-rainfall, then you will need to supplement the watering while the plants are still young to mimic a summer-rainfall area.
Use at least 3 – 6 seeds, as not all your seeds will germinate in the first year. If you have seed that has come straight out of the fruit, first wash the white fruit powder off the seed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_ =”5395″ img_size=”Large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Planting bags
The best planting bags to use are ones that are at least 20 cm deep. This is because the seedling will develop a tuber in its first and second year of growth. The container in which you are planting the seed will need to accommodate the growth of the underground tuber. Later you will either plant the seedling out into the ground or transfer the seeding to an even larger and deeper bag/container until you are ready to plant it out.
Baobabs are very tolerant of a wide variety of soil mixtures, but they do best in sandy soils. Fill the planting bag with a mixture of 25 – 50 % sand and the rest a loamy soil. The trick here is to ensure that the soil is well drained as they don’t like to be waterlogged. So, if your soil is already quite sandy, that’s perfect.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_ =”5398″ img_size=”Large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Planting into bags
Place your planting bags in a sunny area. Plant 3 seeds per bag, spacing the seeds in a triangle formation in the soil. The seeds can be pushed 2 – 3 cm underground. Water the bags every day until one or more of the seeds germinate. You might find that only one of the seeds germinate or all of them together. If you get more than one seed germinating, transplant the second or third seedling into its own bag after a few months.
If you want to keep your seedling for longer in the planting bags, then make sure that they don’t get too big for the bag. Transplant the seedlings into bigger bags when they grow bigger. Be careful not to damage or bend the main root or tuber as this will affect the growth of the tree in future.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_ =”5399″ img_size=”Large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Seedling care
Baobab seedlings grow well and fast in the first few months after germination. They will start to grow a tuber and send out a stem with simple green leaves. As soon as winter starts and the conditions get colder and the days get shorter, the seedling will shed its leaves and go dormant.
Watering: Water your seedling only when it has leaves. As soon as it loses its leaves in the winter you can stop watering. In early spring, start watering again. Initially water only once a week, until the plant has more leaves and then more frequently. If you over water the seedlings while it is leafless or when the leaves are still small this can cause root rot and the plant will die. When the seedling is in full leaf it can cope with lots of water and will respond by growing quickly.
Fertilizing: It’s not normally necessary to fertilize baobab seedlings, but they will respond well to most off-the shelf nitrogen fertilizers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_ =”5400″ img_size=”Large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Care of your young plant
Plant your seeding into the ground when it is at least 50cm tall or taller. Measure this from the soil to the top of the plant. They like full sun, so select a sunny place away from buildings as the roots grow very wide. They do not like frost so they should be planted in a protected area or should be protected with frost netting in the winter until it has grown at least 3 meters tall. When you plant the seedling into the ground be careful not to bend or break the root as this will affect how well the seedling grows in future.
If there are livestock, chickens or wild animals around then it will be very important to protect the seedling from browsing. To do this place 4 dropper poles in a square shape around the seedling at least 1 meter way from the tree and surround with mesh wire ensuring that animals cannot reach the seedling.
Continue to water your seedlings to encourage they grow fast. If you do not water the seedlings the growth will be frustratingly slow. Remember to only water your seedlings when they are in leaf in the summer months.
Once the young tree grows side branches, you can prune the lower branches in order to give the young tree shape and to encourage it to grow in height.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_ =”5401″ img_size=”Large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Monitoring
Monitor the growth of your young trees by noting the date of planting, measuring the circumference at the base of the plant and measure its height every year. Remember to take a photograph of it every year for record purposes.
Enjoy the journey and please send the Baobab Foundation a picture of your tree together with its records, history and provenance. We always love hearing from other baobab growers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_ =”5403″ img_size=”Large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]
The baobab tree, also known as the “tree of life”, is an iconic tree native to Africa, Madagascar, and Australia. With its massive trunk and treelike roots, it’s instantly recognizable. Though baobab trees can live for thousands of years, you can grow your own baobab tree at home from seeds. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to plant baobab tree seeds.
Gathering Baobab Seeds
The first step is acquiring baobab seeds. There are a few ways to do this:
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Purchase baobab seeds online or from a specialty nursery. Make sure to buy fresh seeds to maximize germination rates.
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Collect seeds from fresh baobab fruits. Baobab fruits are large, oval shaped pods filled with white pulp and seeds. Break open the dried fruit pod and extract the seeds.
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Get baobab seeds from someone with an established baobab tree, Baobab trees produce abundant seeds in their fruit pods,
No matter where you source the seeds, aim for plump, undamaged seeds. Avoid old, shriveled seeds as they likely won’t germinate.
Storing Baobab Seeds
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining seed viability. Here are some tips for storing baobab seeds
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Keep seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. An ideal storage temperature is between 50-68°F (10-20°C).
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Place seeds in breathable containers like cloth bags or paper envelopes. Avoid airtight plastic containers.
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Check seeds periodically and discard any that are moldy or damaged.
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For long term storage of over 1 year, place seeds in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
With proper storage, baobab seeds can remain viable for several years.
Preparing Baobab Seeds for Planting
Before planting, baobab seeds need some preparation to improve germination rates. Here are a few methods:
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Nick/scratch the seed coat: Use sandpaper, a nail file, or knife to lightly scratch the hard outer seed coat. This allows moisture to penetrate the seed.
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Soak in water: Place seeds in warm water and soak for 12-48 hours. This softens the seed coat.
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Remove seed coat: After soaking, gently peel off the seed coat with your fingernail. The white seed inside should be visible.
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Sprout seeds: Place peeled seeds on a damp paper towel and cover with plastic wrap. This mimics a greenhouse environment. Check daily and plant sprouted seeds.
Any of these methods help weaken the hard seed coat and kickstart the germination process.
Choosing the Right Potting Mix
Baobab seeds need a fast draining, sandy soil mix. Avoid regular potting soil as it retains too much moisture. Here are some suitable potting mixes:
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A mix of 60% cactus soil and 40% coarse sand. The sand improves drainage.
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A blend of 50% potting soil, 30% compost, and 20% perlite or vermiculite to create a loose, aerated mix.
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Regular potting soil amended with 30% coarse sand or perlite.
Make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom and use a tray to catch excess water.
Planting Baobab Tree Seeds
Now comes the fun part – planting the seeds! Follow these steps:
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Fill pots with the potting mix leaving 1 inch from the rim. Gently firm down the soil.
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Make a shallow depression in the soil about 1⁄2 inch deep. Place 1-2 seeds in each pot depending on the size.
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Cover seeds lightly with soil. Don’t bury too deep.
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Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. Allow pots to drain fully.
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Place pots in a warm spot with temperatures around 70-80°F (20-25°C). Provide ample sunlight.
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Cover pots with plastic wrap or a clear plastic dome to create a greenhouse environment.
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Remove covers once sprouts emerge. Keep soil moist but not saturated.
Caring for Baobab Seedlings
Baobab seedlings need attentive care as they establish. Follow these tips:
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Water carefully – Water when the top 1 inch of soil is dry. Water deeply, not frequently.
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Provide warmth – Maintain temperatures above 70°F (20°C). Move pots indoors if too cold.
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Give sunlight – Place pots in a sunny window or use grow lights. Seedlings need 8+ hours of sun daily.
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Control pests – Inspect for pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Treat promptly.
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Repot when rootbound – Transplant to larger pots if roots fill the container. Use a well-draining soil mix.
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Fertilize lightly – Use a dilute liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
With attentive care, baobab seedlings will flourish. Be patient as they are slow growing trees.
Transplanting Baobab Seedlings Outdoors
Once established, baobab trees can be transplanted into the garden. Here are some tips for a successful transition:
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Harden off seedlings over 7-10 days by gradually exposing them to longer periods outdoors. Bring indoors at night.
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Transplant in spring after the last frost. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
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Carefully remove from pot, loosen roots, and place in hole. Fill with native soil, tamp gently.
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Water thoroughly after transplanting and as needed until established.
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Stake the stem if windy. Provide shelter from harsh sun and wind initially.
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Mulch around the base with 2-3 inches of bark chips or compost to retain moisture.
With proper planting and care, your baobab seedlings will flourish, though very slowly. Be prepared to care for your baobab tree for decades to come! The effort is well worth it to have this iconic tree of life in your own yard.
Troubleshooting Baobab Seed Germination Issues
Sometimes baobab seeds can be tricky to germinate. Here are some common issues and solutions:
Seeds not sprouting:
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Check seed viability – old seeds likely won’t sprout
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Increase warmth – seeds need temperatures above 70°F
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Soak seeds longer – 24-48 hours softens the seed coat
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Nick or peel the seed coat – allows moisture to penetrate
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Plant fresh seeds – don’t let soaked seeds dry out
Seeds rotting:
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Avoid overwatering – check soil and water when just dry
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Use fast-draining soil – sand or perlite improves drainage
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Allow pots to drain fully after watering
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Don’t crowd seeds – allow space between seeds
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Reduce humidity once sprouted – remove domes and plastic
Seedlings dying:
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Give more sunlight – baobabs need 8+ hours per day
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Increase temperatures – maintain above 70°F
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Watch for damping off disease – caused by excess moisture
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Check for pests – treat for mites, mealybugs, etc. promptly
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Repot when rootbound – move to larger pot if needed
With care and patience, you can successfully grow baobab trees from seeds. Don’t become discouraged if it takes a few tries to get the conditions just right. The reward of these majestic trees is well worth the effort.
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How to grow a Baobab tree from seed. Full tutorial. #gardening #baobab #tree
FAQ
How do you prepare baobab seeds for planting?
How long does it take for baobab seeds to germinate?
Can you grow a baobab tree in the US?
How do you propagate baobab trees?
How do you grow a baobab tree?
While care and maintenance for baobab seeds almost require no work, the germination rate for the seeds is finicky. Most gardeners wishing to produce this unusual looking tree will need to sow as many baobab seeds as they can to increase their rate of successful germination. Mix equal parts of coarse sand and potting mix in a large bowl.
Can a baobab tree grow into a new tree?
Known for its unique appearance and numerous health benefits, the baobab tree produces seeds that are not only nutritious but also have the potential to grow into new baobab trees. In this guide, we will explore the best practices for storing, sowing, and germinating baobab tree seeds.
How to grow baobab seeds?
Simply placing the seeds in the soil, as it works in nature, is successful occasionally. Scratching the seeds and soaking them in warm water for one to two days leads to better results, but the germination rate was not satisfying to me. Baobab fruit of different shapes
Can baobab bushes grow inside?
Whereas baobab trees can actually be developed insides, they require sufficient daylight and zone to flourish. Indoor development can too posture requesting situation due to the tree’s expansive length and specific natural exigency. Q: Are baobab bushes extreme to develop from seed?