Cassia renigera seeds

Sowing Cassia seeds, a genus of plants that includes species such as Cassia angustifolia (senna), Cassia fistula (golden shower tree), and Cassia tora, can be made easier by following a few specific steps. Cassia seeds often have a hard shell that can slow their germination, but with proper care, you can achieve good results. Here's how to do it:

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### **Materials required:**
- **Cassia** seeds.
- Warm water to soak the seeds.
- Light, well-draining substrate (seedling compost or mixture of compost, sand and perlite).
- Pots or seed trays.
- Mini-greenhouse or plastic film (optional).
- Spray bottle or watering can with a fine nozzle.
- Labels to mark seedlings (optional).

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### **Steps for sowing Cassia seeds:**

#### 1. **Seed preparation:**
- **Cassia** seeds often have a hard shell, which can inhibit their germination. **Pretreatment** is therefore recommended to improve the chances of success:
- **Soaking**: Soak the seeds in **warm** (not boiling) water for **12 to 24 hours** before sowing. This will help soften the shell and promote water absorption, which will speed up germination.
- If the seeds are particularly hard, you can also perform a **light scarification** by rubbing the seeds with sandpaper or cutting them slightly to open the shell.

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#### 2. **Prepare the substrate:**
- Use a **light, well-draining substrate** to prevent seed and root rot. You can opt for a mixture of **seedling compost**, **sand**, and **perlite**.
- Fill **pots** or **seedling trays** with this substrate, ensuring that it is well moistened but not soggy.

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#### 3. **Sowing the seeds:**
- **Sow Cassia seeds 1 to 2 cm deep**. Place the seeds on the surface and cover lightly with soil, making sure they have good contact with the substrate. You can also simply press them lightly into the substrate.
- Leave about **2 to 3 cm** between each seed to allow them to develop properly.

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#### 4. **Germination conditions:**
- **Temperature**: **Cassia** seeds germinate best in **warm** temperatures, between **20 and 25°C**. Place the pots in a warm, bright location. If necessary, you can use a **mini-greenhouse** or cover the pots with **plastic wrap** to maintain consistent heat and humidity.
- **Light**: Some species of **Cassia** prefer light for germination, so avoid completely covering the seeds with soil.
- **Humidity**: Keep the substrate slightly moist, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to mold. Light watering with a **spray bottle** or a **fine-tipped watering can** is recommended.

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#### 5. **Germination time:**
- **Cassia** seeds typically germinate in **7 to 14 days**, but this can vary depending on conditions. Be patient and keep an eye on the pots.

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### **Seedling Care:**

#### 1. **After germination:**
- When the seeds begin to germinate, remove the plastic cover or mini-greenhouse to avoid excessive humidity, but continue to maintain a warm temperature and good light.
- Young plants should be kept at temperatures between **18 and 25°C**.

#### 2. **Watering:**
- **Water regularly** to maintain constant moisture, but be careful not to saturate the soil.
- Moderate watering is sufficient, as excess water can cause root rot, especially in overly compacted substrates.

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#### 3. **Transplanting:**
- When the **Cassia** seedlings have a few leaves and roots are starting to develop, you can transplant them into larger pots or into the ground.
- **Plant out the seedlings** when they are about **5 to 10 cm** tall, so that they have enough room to grow.

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### **Transplanting into open ground:**

#### 1. **When to transplant outdoors:**
- **Cassia** are plants that prefer **warm climates**. You can transplant them into the ground once temperatures are warm and there is no longer any risk of frost.
- Generally, you can transplant them in spring or summer, once night temperatures remain above 15°C.

#### 2. **Location:**
- Choose a **sunny** and well-drained location to plant your **Cassia**. These plants love heat and require plenty of sun to thrive.
- The soil should be light and slightly acidic to neutral. If the soil is too heavy, you can incorporate sand or perlite to improve drainage.

#### 3. **Spacing:**
- **Cassia** can grow into quite large shrubs, so leave a spacing of **60 cm to 1 meter** between each plant to give them plenty of room to grow.

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### **Maintenance after planting:**

1. **Watering:**
- **Cassia** plants are relatively drought-tolerant once established. However, during the growing season, it is important to maintain slightly moist soil without overwatering.

2. **Fertilization:**
- You can feed your **Cassia** with a moderate, **nitrogen** fertilizer in spring to encourage their growth.

3. **Size:**
- **Cassia** plants generally do not require regular pruning. You can simply trim dead or damaged stems to maintain the plant's shape and promote good air circulation.

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### **Additional Tips:**
- **Winter Protection**: In areas where temperatures drop below 10°C, it is best to grow **Cassia** in pots so that they can be brought indoors or in a greenhouse during the winter.
- **Pollinator-Attractive Plants**: **Cassia** attracts many pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, making them ideal for ecological gardens.