The silk tree, which can also be found commercially as a sleeping tree or silk acacia, can be grown both outdoors and in a pot. When is the best time to plant out, how do you plant the silk acacia correctly and what is the care like in the garden?
When is the best time to plant a silk tree?
The best time to plant a silk tree is in spring from May or early summer. Make sure that there are no more night frosts or strong temperature fluctuations. The location should be bright, sheltered from the wind and, if possible, frost-free.
The best time to plant a silk tree
You should not plant the silk tree in the garden too late in the year. It is best to put it outdoors in spring from May or early summer. There should be no more night frosts or strong temperature fluctuations.
The right location
The silk tree needs a location that is as bright as possible, otherwise it will quickly lose its leaves. The place should also be protected from the wind. A place where it doesn't get too cold, even in winter, is ideal. If necessary, the silk tree can also cope with slightly shady locations.
The soil must be loose. The silk acacia does not tolerate loamy substrate.
How to plant the silk tree correctly
Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide and deep as the root ball. Enrich the soil with mature compost and, if necessary, create drainage.
Insert the silk tree and press the soil well.
Water the soil thoroughly. In the first few years the sleeping tree cannot take care of itself. You must therefore water it regularly and provide it with additional nutrients. It is better to water more often, but with less water.
Protect from frost in the first few years
Since the silk tree is not initially hardy, you must protect it from frost in the winter for the first few years.
Lay a layer of mulch on the ground. Suitable materials are
- Leaves
- Grass clippings
- brushwood
- Straw
Even older trees can only tolerate temperatures down to minus 15 degrees for a short time. If the winter is very cold, cover the sleeping tree with garden fleece (€6.00 on Amazon), jute or brushwood.
Tip
Since the silk tree is not hardy, especially at the beginning, you should first grow it in a bucket. After a few years you can easily plant it outdoors.
