It takes a few years for a silk tree to bloom for the first time. The tree must also be in a favorable location and have already reached a certain height. What is the reason why the tree, also known as the sleeping tree or silk acacia, does not bloom?
Why isn't my silk tree blooming?
A silk tree may not bloom because it is too young, small, recently planted, or in a poor location. Older silk trees from approx. 1.50-1.70 meters high are more likely to bloom, especially in sunny locations and with sufficient care.
Why doesn't the silk tree bloom?
There can be various reasons why the silk tree does not develop flowers:
- too young
- too small
- freshly planted
- bad location
Only older silk trees bloom at all
The sleeping tree generally does not bloom in the first few years. This is completely normal. Depending on the variety, it can take four or six years before you can enjoy the flowers for the first time.
Size also plays a role
If the silk tree is still very small despite its age, it will not develop any flowers. From a height of 1.50 to 1.70 meters it should show the first rudiments of flowers.
Grow a silk tree in a favorable location
In order for the silk tree to develop its unique flowers, you must grow it in a favorable location. The place should be as bright as possible and preferably sunny. The silk acacia almost never blooms in locations that are too dark.
Frost can also be the cause of missing flowers. Silk trees are only partially hardy. You should therefore protect younger or newly planted silk acacias from the cold with a mulch blanket and a cover with fleece (€49.00 on Amazon), jute or other suitable materials.
The sleeping tree usually blooms sooner outdoors than in a pot, especially since it rarely grows high enough in a pot.
Care for the silk tree properly
The silk tree is a bit demanding, at least when it comes to care in the first few years.
You should initially supply the quickly growing sleeping tree with nutrients regularly. Start fertilizing in spring. From September there will be no more fertilization.
If the silk acacia has already bloomed once, reduce the fertilizer application slightly after flowering. Later, fertilizing outdoors is no longer necessary.
Tip
In a dark location, the silk tree often loses its leaves. If it overwinteres indoors, this is the case regularly. But the silk acacia almost always sprouts again next spring.
