Catalpa seed pods

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
Phrago Coldwater, MI(Zone 5b) Sep 21, 2006

There is a huge Catalpa around the corner from my South Lyon house. It has lots of long seed pods. I want to collect some of them so I can possibly get a few seedlings for my Coldwater property. The pods are still very firm with no sign of breaking open, and quite green. How long should I wait before I can pick some and have viable seeds? What should they look like? Thanks!

Post #2746975
Quote
StarhillForest Illinois, IL(Zone 5b) Sep 22, 2006

They will turn dark, some of them will begin to pop open, a few of them will even begin to fall (although most will stay on the tree well into winter). But if you pick one now and break it open and the seeds are ripe and dry, it's OK to take them now.

Guy S.

Post #2747343
Quote
CoreHHI Bluffton, SC(Zone 9a) Sep 22, 2006

Wait till they turn brown and some are breaking open. Should be easy to grow from seeds.

Post #2747583
Quote
Phrago Coldwater, MI(Zone 5b) Sep 22, 2006

Thanks. There were several huge old Catalpas in the inner city Victorian neighborhood where I used to live back in the '80's. When they bloomed, it looked as if the whole street was decked out in Orchids. I know they grow fast. How old to they have to be before they start to bloom?

Post #2750384
Quote
David_Vermont Orwell, VT Sep 23, 2006

We collected seed from a catalpa eight years ago and it is now 18 to 20 feet tall. This tree started to flower when it was only five years old!

Post #2751498
Quote
StarhillForest Illinois, IL(Zone 5b) Sep 23, 2006

Yes, but it varies a lot. I have C. ovata here that bloomed its third year from seed, and C. bignonioides that bloomed at about 5-6 years like David's tree, but an older C. speciosa (which is probably what you have) that has yet to bloom after 30+ years (but yours might be more precocious). Just plant it and don't worry about it. Someday, sooner or later, it will surprise you, and until then enjoy its other attributes.

Guy S.

Post #2751816
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Trees, Shrubs and Conifers Threads

Go to all Trees, Shrubs and Conifers threads
BACK TO TOP