I collected some seeds from a tree on the IOW and wondered if they're easy to grow & by what method.
Done a quick google search but nearly all American Gardening Forum sites; not much use for UK growning conditions...

Any ideas welcome.
:thumbsup: DK

:confused: Googled: http://www.hintsandthings.co.uk/garden/jacaranda.htm

I don't think I've ever seen one of those, in a garden or at a garden centre, they look very impressive.

I'm guessing they require slightly warmer weather than we get in Sheffield ?

Jacaranda Mimosifolia

Watering: Jacaranda trees like most exotics only like to be watered when the soil is almost bone dry.

Plants should be watered thoroughly and allowed to drain fully before re-watering.

They prefer rainwater, as normal tap water tends to be far too cold and sometimes chalky. Ensure the water isn’t ice cold, as ice cold water will stress the tree.

Over-wintering in the UK: Jacaranda trees are very easy to over-winter, but do be careful not to let them get too damp otherwise root rot may occur. The plant should only be watered when the soil in the pot is bone dry. Specimens lose all their leaves over the cold months. Place your tree in the greenhouse/conservatory over the winter, making sure it is protected from frost – if you leave it outdoors you will very probably lose it! Our specimens here at the nursery are kept just about 5 degrees.

Summer months: Jacaranda trees can be grown outside (in their pots) or in the greenhouse/conservatory.

They prefer a south facing garden with plenty of sunlight. Pay attention to their leaves. If the leaves appear to droop, then you know your tree needs water. The Kentish summer months are sometimes rather hot, so we have to water our specimens 3-4 times a week. But remember, you should only water your tree when the soil is almost bone dry!

Jacarandas should be brought into the greenhouse/conservatory in around October time (when the first winter frosts arrive).

Potting: Jacarandas like a free draining compost. They require loam-based compost with either grit or bark chippings to aid drainage. The optimum pH is 6.5. A plant should be re-potted once a year if/when it becomes pot-bound.

http://www.hintsandthings.co.uk/garden/jacaranda.htm
(like wot Strixy rote!)



Sow in trays, pots, etc of good seed compost in a propagator or warm place to maintain an optimum temperature of 75-80F (25-27C).

Sowing Depth: Sow in well drained compost, just covering the seed with compost.

Sowing Time: Sow at any time of year.

Germination usually takes 7-21 days.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Pot on as required into 13cm (5in) and finally 20cm (8in) pots.

Prune to shape in March and re-pot at this time if needed. Water freely spring-autumn. Water moderately and provide a temperature of 7-13C (45-57F) throughout the winter.

http://seeds.thompson-morgan.com/uk/fr/product/7226/1

Jacarandas need open sun, good drainage, light soil, and are not very hardy, so I doubt you'd have much luck in Sheffield - I know them from Egypt. They also take a good few years to produce flowers and grow very tall, so they aren't really suitable for the average UK garden. You could try one in a big pot on a south facing patio, which would effectively dwarf it and you could bring it indoors if there's a frost - but it would be a long shot.

Jungleseeds advice is:
A common tree for tropical locations with soft ferny foliage and spectacular lilac blue flowers a bit like upright laburnum or the Paulownia in shape. A tree in full flower is a sight not to be missed! Easy to grow from seed but difficult to reach flowering size in the uk unless you have a very tall heated conservatory. Can be pot grown and stood outside in summer until it gets too large. Worth growing for the foliage alone.

Mulu say:
Magnificent tree with dense ferny foliage. Fantastic 30cm panicles of purple-blue flowers appear before the foliage in spring. Despite the best wishful-thinking in the world it is not suitable for outdoor growth in the UK except in very sheltered mild locations. It will grow well in a conservatory but will need to be pruned regularly to stop it pushing the roof off.

Give it a try Don_Kiddick.
We have a fig tree in our garden which is very healthy,
And I don't think it's native to britain especially up north.

hazel

Wow thanks for this everyone!

Nick2, I'd never seen one either. The perfume given off by the flowers is increadible!
I caught the smell of it meters away from the tree & followed it like a Bisto Kid to find where it was coming from.

Talk about men acting on 'inpulse' - it's a good job it wasn't a lady's perfume I was sniffing after :heyhey: !

I'm gonna give it a whirl :thumbsup: