African Tulip Tree Seeds

African Tulip Tree — Spathodea campanulata

With the African Tulip Tree (Spathodea campanulata) you grow one of Africa's most magnificent flowering plants. The bright orange-red tulip-like flowers are a sensation. In its homeland a 20-25 m tree, compact in a pot. Important bee plant in West Africa, young leaves and flowers hold water — used as a watering trough by birds.

What's in the box

• 30 seeds Spathodea campanulata — tested for germination
• Illustrated growing guide in 8 languages (on the seed card)
• Minimum shelf life: 2 years from packaging date

Growing in brief

• Prep: soak seeds 24 h in lukewarm water
• Sowing: in loose, moist seed compost
• Temperature: 25-28 °C
• Germination: 2-4 weeks

Position & care in detail

• Light: full sun
• Humidity: high (60-80 %)
• Substrate: nutrient-rich, well-draining
• Watering: regular, reduce in winter
• Feeding: March to September every 2 weeks
• Wintering: Frost-tender — minimum 12 °C

Sowing date & timeline

The ideal sowing date depends on the plant type.

Indoors sowing is possible year-round if heat mat and grow light are available. January to April is optimal: after germination the seedling can grow vigorously through spring/summer before light declines in autumn.

Directly outdoors only for frost-hardy species and after mid-May. Frost-tender species should first be raised in pots indoors, then hardened off after mid-May before being placed outdoors.

Pot choice & transplanting

Pot size and transplanting evolve with the plant:

• Sowing: 6×6 cm seed tray per seed or tray pots. Use low-nutrient seed compost.
• Seedling: prick out at 2-3 true leaves into a 9 cm pot with nutrient-rich compost.
• Established: repot every 1-2 years into a pot 2-3 cm larger. Mature plants need 5-30 L pot volume depending on the species.

Tips & tricks

• Use a heat mat: bottom heat at 25 °C speeds germination by weeks
• Mini greenhouse: cover seed tray with a transparent lid or cling film — keeps humidity high
• Prefer fresh seed: the fresher the seed, the higher the germination rate — sow soon after delivery
• Outdoors in summer, warm indoor in winter (min. 15 °C)
• In a pot it flowers only after 8-12 years — until then a foliage solitary
• Protect young plants from drafts — sensitive to temperature swings

Good to know

• Native range: Tropical West and Central Africa
• Height: 25 m, in a pot 1-3 m
• One of Africa's most magnificent flowering plants — orange-red tulip flowers
• In its homeland 20-25 m, compact in a pot
• Young leaves and flowers hold water — bird watering trough
• Important bee plant in West Africa

Seed storage

Unopened or leftover Saflax seeds keep for 2 years if stored correctly. Keep dry, cool (vegetable drawer in fridge) and in the original packaging — moisture drastically reduces germination. Test germinability before each sowing: 5 seeds on moist kitchen paper in a covered plastic dish at 22-25 °C — if 4-5 germinate, the rest are reliable.

FAQs

How long does germination take?
Typically 2-4 at 25-28 °C. Bottom heat (heat mat) shortens germination significantly, often by half.

Can it grow outdoors?
In summer yes, in a sheltered, semi-shaded position. Bring indoors before first frost, min. 12 °C in winter.

How fast does it grow?
Slow in the first year (establishment phase), then notably faster from year two with optimal care and the right position.

Do I need special tools?
A simple seed tray, compost and a bright position are enough. A heat mat (~CHF 30) and a mini greenhouse noticeably improve germination but are not mandatory.

What if seeds don't germinate?
Patience — many exotic species take 4-12 weeks. Check temperature (heat mat!), substrate moisture (evenly moist, never wet) and whether the seeds require stratification or scarification. Saflax seeds are tested for germination before dispatch.

When does it bloom?
In cultivation only after 8-12 years. In Africa trees bloom after 4-5 years — heat and light here are often insufficient.

Frost-hardy?
No. Minimum 12 °C in winter, otherwise leaf-drop and root rot.

How best to store leftover seeds?
In the sealed original packet, dry and cool (vegetable drawer of fridge at 4-8 °C). Germinability is preserved through the full 2-year shelf life. Reseal immediately after opening and acclimatise to room temperature before sowing.