CAESALPINIA PULCHERRIMA

I took the seed from the package only a week ago, and I thought at the time: this is going to be difficult to germinate. It was a large, hard, heart shaped seed, which I placed in a moist coffee filter, sealed in a plastic bag and placed on a heat mat. Well, I was wrong; in only 24 hours a radicle poked out, in 48 hours the seed coat was sticking out of the media, a few hours later the seed coat had fallen off, the cotyledons had spread out, and, four hours later true leaves were forming. So, in only seven days I have a new born plant, which is:

CAESALPINIA PULCHERRIMA

" This showy desert bloomer is spectacular. The huge red and yellow flowers appear tropical, with long feathery stamens, amazing against the delicate ferny green foliage. But the plant is tough as nails.
Originally from Argentina, this desert beauty is much used to brighten drought-tolerant Southwest landscaping. It's tough and undemanding, happy in scorching sun or part shade, will tolerate the worst drought, and is hardy down to 5 degrees. Easy to grow in zone 8-10, Red Bird of Paradise also makes a fine container plant elsewhere, perfect for a sunny window."

At the rate it is progressing I expect to have flowers by this time next week. (only kidding of course ) In any event, my assistant, (granddaughter) should enjoy watching this unusual plant develop.

 

Now that's a lovely looking plant.
Another one on the seed list

 

Well done you hydrogardener. I have tried on many occasions over the years to germinate/grow this, which actually grows quite wild here/Spain, but I have had no success. I still have seeds and I may, just may try again, maybe with hydroculture.

 

I produced several plants but lost them one winter before they flowered. I'd like to have another go, though. Keep us informed, Hydrogardener.

 

I have grown C Pulcherrima and C Flava but never got them to grow beyond 2ft high, they just collapsed and died.
Caesalpinia Gillesii on the other hand is easy and flowers readily, I hope you are successful with your Caesalpinias.

 

Happen to me as well

 

I grew several from seed this year, but they all died way before they could reach 2 feet. Does anyone know why? None of the sites I have Googled have mentioned this habit.

 

Caesalpinia gillesii is another type which is hardier than Pulcherrima (still with breathtaking flowers), but may be a good permanent planting possibility in the UK.

 

Germinating C. Pulcherrima is the easy bit, growing on to flowering size is not, not in the UK that is.

 

Do you think it is just a question of heat - Pete?

 

Possibly, but I think there are other factors, such as pot growing.

But light levels and heat in winter are also a problem.