Ceiba pentandra (Kapok/Silk Cotton Tree) seeds

Exotic small tree native to South America with a very unusual, bulbous trunk studded with triangular thorns when mature.  Bears a profusion of beautiful, pink, lily like flowers, followed by pods which contain the white, fluffy Kapok.  Not hardy enough for outdoor planting in most of the UK, but luckily thrives in a container so it can be overwintered in a frost free place.  Can also be grown indoors.  Perfect for training as a Bonsai.

Half Hardy Tree (to -1C)
Flowers: Summer
Height: Can be maintained at any size 
Position: Sunny and sheltered in well drained soil.

Packet of 25 seeds

GROWING GUIDE

Pre-sowing Treatment:  Soak the seeds in tepid water for 24 hours or until seeds start to swell.

Sowing Instructions:  Sow at any time of the year. Sow 10mm deep in trays or pots of moist, good quality seed compost mixed 50:50 with vermiculite or perlite.  Place in a propagator or seal inside a polythene bag.  Maintain an optimum temperature of 25C. 

Note: Germination can be very erratic, so sow thinly and prick out the seedlings as they become large enough to handle disturbing the rest of the compost as little as possible.

Growing Instructions:  Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm pots and grow on at around 18-20C.  Grow on shaded from direct sun and repot as necessary.  Prefers a sunny, sheltered spot and protection from frost at all times.