🌳 How to Grow Indian Laburnum (Cassia Fistula) from Seeds

Also known as:

• Hindi: अमलतास

• Tamil: கொழும்பு மரம்

• Telugu: కోముర ముదరు

• Malayalam: മഞ്ഞൾക്കിളി

• Kannada: ಅಮಲತಾಸ

• English: Indian Laburnum / Golden Shower Tree

1. 🌱 Choose the Right Season

• Best time to sow: Early spring (Feb–April) or monsoon (June–July)

• Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates

• Ideal temperature for germination: 25°C to 35°C

2. 🌾 Seed Pre-treatment

• Seeds have a hard seed coat; soak in warm water for 24 hours before sowing

• Scarify seeds gently with sandpaper or nick with a knife to improve germination

3. 🪴 Prepare the Growing Medium

• Use well-draining soil mix: garden soil + sand + organic compost (1:1:1)

• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)

4. 🌿 Sowing the Seeds

• Sow seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep

• In pots or seedbeds, space seeds 2–3 inches apart

• Cover lightly with soil and water gently

5. 💧 Watering

• Keep soil moist, especially during germination

• Water every 2–3 days, avoid waterlogging

6. 🌞 Germination

• Seeds germinate in 10–20 days, sometimes up to 4 weeks

• Keep seeds in warm, bright indirect light during germination

7. 🌤️ Sunlight & Temperature

• Prefers full sun for best flowering and growth

• Thrives in temperatures between 25°C and 35°C

• Sensitive to frost, avoid cold exposure

8. 🌱 Transplanting

• Transplant seedlings when 6–8 inches tall

• Use well-draining soil and provide enough space (6–8 meters apart) when planting in open ground

9. 🌿 Fertilization

• Add compost or organic manure at planting

• Use balanced fertilizer every 2–3 months during growing season

• Mulch base to retain moisture and suppress weeds

10. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Care

• Generally pest resistant

• Watch for aphids and caterpillars; treat with neem oil if needed

• Ensure good airflow to prevent fungal diseases

11. 🌳 Growth & Maintenance

• Medium to large deciduous tree growing up to 10–15 meters tall

• Known for spectacular bright yellow flowers during spring/summer

• Prune dead branches and shape young plants for better growth

• Drought tolerant once established

🌟 Benefits of Indian Laburnum

• Ornamental tree with beautiful cascading yellow flowers

• Used in traditional medicine (flower extracts)

• Provides shade and enhances landscape beauty

• Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies