The seeds of the bluebell or emperor tree (bot. Paulownia tomentosa) are very undemanding, they don't need much to germinate. However, getting them through the first winter safely is not that easy because they are very sensitive to frost.
How to germinate bluebell tree seeds?
Bluebell tree seeds germinate best with constant moisture and warmth. Sprinkle the seeds thinly on a sand-soil mixture or peat, keep the substrate evenly moist and place the growing container in a bright, warm place.
The bluebell tree is known for its self-seeding. If you already have a tree, you don't really have to worry much about propagation. The prerequisite, however, is that your bluebell tree blooms.
The ripe seeds germinate without any problems where they reach the ground, even in small cracks in walls and sidewalk gaps. Within a year they can grow into two meter high young plants. It is not for nothing that the bluebell tree is considered to grow very quickly. However, many of these young trees freeze to death in their first winter.
What do I do if my bluebell tree doesn't bloom?
If your bluebell tree has never bloomed then it may just be too young for it. The first flowers usually only appear on a tree when it is around three to five years old.
If your paulownia is older, the climate may not be comfortable for it. Although the bluebell tree is winter hardy, the delicate buds are not. In a harsh area they freeze to death quite often. The only thing that helps here is winter protection made of foil (€28.00 on Amazon) or fleece.
How do I treat purchased seeds?
In principle, you can sow the bluebell tree all year round, but February is recommended. The young plants will then be well rooted and strong by autumn. Sprinkle the seeds thinly on growing substrate, peat or a soil-sand mixture. Keep this evenly moist in a bright, warm place.
Targeted cultivation step by step:
- Collect and dry seeds in autumn, alternatively buy them
- Sowing possible all year round, ideal in February
- Growing container: wide and flat (bowl)
- Substrate: sand-soil mixture or peat
- sow thinly, seeds are very small
- Keep substrate evenly moist
- Location: warm and bright
- If necessary, cover the cultivation container with foil (increases or maintains the humidity)
Tip
If you simply allow your bluebell tree's falling seeds to germinate, you'll have a no-work seed. Plant the seedlings in pots in autumn.
