Erythrina berteroana seeds

Sowing **Erythrina** (also called "coral tree") seeds is a common method for growing this spectacular tree, prized for its bright red flowers and ornamental foliage. Here is a step-by-step guide to successful sowing.

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### **Materials required:**
- Erythrina seeds.
- Well-draining substrate (mixture of potting soil, sand and perlite).
- Small pots or seed trays.
- Container of warm water.
- Spray bottle or watering can with fine nozzle.

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### **Steps for sowing Erythrina seeds:**

#### 1. **Seed preparation:**
- **Scarification:** Erythrina seeds have a hard shell. To promote germination, lightly scarify the seed by rubbing its surface with sandpaper or by lightly cutting the shell with a knife.
- **Soaking:** After scarifying, soak the seeds in warm water for **12 to 24 hours** to soften the shell and promote germination. Change the water if it cools.

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#### 2. **Choosing the time to sow:**
- The best time to sow is **in spring**, when temperatures are mild and stable.

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#### 3. **Substrate preparation:**
- Mix seed starting soil with sand or perlite to ensure good drainage.
- If you are sowing in open ground, make sure the soil is light and well drained.

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#### 4. **Sowing:**
- Fill the pots or seed trays with the prepared substrate.
- Plant the seeds at a depth of **1 to 2 cm**.
- Cover lightly with substrate, then tamp down gently.

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#### 5. **Germination conditions:**
- **Humidity:** Keep the substrate slightly moist, but avoid excess water to prevent rot.
- **Temperature:** Seeds germinate best between **20 and 30 °C**. If necessary, place the pots in a warm place or use a heating mat.
- **Light:** Place the pots in a bright place, but away from direct sunlight.

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#### 6. **Germination time:**
- Erythrina seeds usually germinate in **1-3 weeks**, but it can take longer depending on conditions.

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### **Seedling care:**

#### 1. **After germination:**
- Once seedlings appear, expose them to more indirect light to encourage growth.
- Make sure the substrate remains slightly moist, but never soggy.

#### 2. **Replanting:**
- When the seedlings reach **10 to 15 cm** in height and have several leaves, transplant them into larger pots or directly into the ground, if the climate permits.

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

#### 1. **When to replant:**
- Replant the young plants in open ground after the last frosts, in a mild or tropical climate.

#### 2. **Location:**
- Choose a location in full sun.
- Make sure the soil is well drained and slightly fertile.

#### 3. **Spacing:**
- Leave at least **2 to 3 meters** between trees to allow them to develop fully.

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### **Maintenance after planting:**

1. **Watering:**
- Water regularly during the first year to help with rooting, but reduce watering once the tree is well established. Erythrina tolerates periods of drought well.

2. **Size:**
- Prune dead or damaged branches to promote healthy growth.
- Some Erythrina require annual pruning to control their size and shape.

3. **Fertilization:**
- Add a little compost or organic fertilizer once a year, in spring.

4. **Protection against cold:**
- In regions with cold winters, protect young plants with a winter fleece or grow them in pots to bring them in under cover.

5. **Hardiness:**
- Most Erythrina species prefer tropical or subtropical climates and do not tolerate temperatures below **5 °C**.

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### **Additional Tips:**
- Erythrina is often used as an ornamental tree for its spectacular flowers.
- Certain species, such as **Erythrina crista-galli**, are particularly prized for their relative hardiness.