Propagating African Boab from seed....

[SimonL]

I'm trying to propagate some African Boab seeds and so far have had no luck. I was wondering if anyone has had any luck with these tree's in Melbourne. At the moment i've attempted to propagate them in a greenhouse thats constantly at 22 degrees, the temp that was suggested to me to propagate at.

Anyone have any ideas or experience?

[Bretts]

I get them to germinate no worries it is the Winters after that give me the trouble.

Try this. Using the very tip of a set of branch cutters snip a hole in the casing of the seed. ( I was told to use a file but found this much quicker) I usually do this at one of the ends of the seed. Obviously the idea is to avoid damaging the seed inside.
Then get bath water temp water in a jar and soak the seeds in this for 24 hours. Plant the seeds to a depth of the size of the seed. Put in a very warm area. I get practically 100% germination if I do this in late spring to Summer when it is nice and warm Like over 30 deg!

[SimonL]

Thanks for the info Brett.

I actually did it that way. How long does it normally take to germinate? The only thing i can think of that i'm doing wrong is i'm not cutting the casing enough. i wasn't sure how deep is too much or not enough. I also may turn up the temp in my greenhouse.

[SimonL]

Thanks for the info Brett.

I actually did it that way. How long does it normally take to germinate? The only thing i can think of that i'm doing wrong is i'm not cutting the casing enough. i wasn't sure how deep is too much or not enough. I also may turn up the temp in my greenhouse.

[bodhidharma]

Interesting, i have never seen one as Bonsai. Anyone have one on this site

[Bretts]

I can't get mine through more than a couple of Winters

[bodhidharma]

I can't get mine through more than a couple of Winters

Yes, i remember bringing back a Desert Rose from Darwin with pie in the sky ambitions. Died in the first 3 degree temperature day. I am happy to have figs

[Glenda]

Talking of desert roses, my mum has about 60 she has grown from seed that are about 3-4 cm high, if anyone is up this way...........

[bodhidharma]

Talking of desert roses, my mum has about 60 she has grown from seed that are about 3-4 cm high, if anyone is up this way...........

My friend had a couple of really nice, really old ones, really beautiful ones.. SIGH IN BONSAI POTS...SIGH.. anyway, i can now officially state that they do not grow in the Central Highlands.

[Glenda]

Talking of desert roses, my mum has about 60 she has grown from seed that are about 3-4 cm high, if anyone is up this way...........

My friend had a couple of really nice, really old ones, really beautiful ones.. SIGH IN BONSAI POTS...SIGH.. anyway, i can now officially state that they do not grow in the Central Highlands.

Never mind, Bohdi. I can't grow Japanese Maples, although my trident is actually showing the first signs of colour in a few leaves! This will be its first winter, having only aquired it as a seedling about 15cm high and straw thick about 2 months ago. Noah had some when he was in Rocky, and it is actually hotter there than here even though it is about 350 km south, but is more inland and surrounded by mountains so doesn't get the sea breeze we manage to get.

Glenda

[lennard]

Some information on Boabab here on my blog - just scroll down.

http://lennardsbonsaibeginnings.blogspot.com/

To get Boabab through winter you have to stop watering in autumn as soon as the leaves start to yellow. After the leaves has fallen move the pot into a garage or even the house so they don't get any water. Some people in the colder areas of RSA remove the whole tree from the pot and soil and hang them in the garage. Start watering again only when the tree has sprouted in late spring.

Wet, cold and Baobab can't be mentioned in one sentence!

Lennard