The Empress Tree, also known as the Princess Tree or Paulownia, is surprisingly easy to grow from seed. However, if you want to make sure your little seedlings actually survive their first winter, there are a few tricks you should know. Here’s the lowdown on getting your Paulownia started right.
Understanding Empress Tree Seeds
In the wild, the Empress Tree is a self-seeding pro. It spreads quickly and easily on its own without any human help. The catch? You’ll only get viable seeds if your Paulownia actually blooms. So, if you’re planning on harvesting your own, you’ll need to make sure your tree is happy enough to flower.
Once those seeds are ripe, they’re ready to hit the ground running. They don’t need much pampering to sprout; you’ll often see them growing in poor soil or even popping up out of cracks in a stone wall! In just one year, these fast-growers can reach a height of over six feet. But keep in mind: while they grow like weeds, young Paulownias are a bit sensitive to extreme winter cold during their first year.
How to Germinate Your Seeds
Whether you’ve bought a packet of seeds or gathered some yourself, timing is everything. I recommend starting your seeds in the spring so the saplings have the entire growing season to get established. For the best results, use a peat-based seed starter or a sandy soil mix. And remember—these trees are sun-worshippers, so pick a bright spot!
Here’s your step-by-step game plan:
- Collect seeds in the fall and let them dry out (or just buy them online).
- Wait until spring to start planting.
- Place the seeds in a shallow tray on top of a sandy soil mix or peat.
- Keep the substrate consistently moist (but not soggy!).
- Place the tray in a warm, sunny spot.
- Transplant your Empress Tree outdoors once it’s sturdy enough to handle the elements.
The Paulownia is a pretty low-maintenance addition to the garden. As long as you pick a sunny spot and give it enough time to root deeply before the first frost hits, it’ll pretty much take care of itself. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying those massive leaves and stunning purple blooms!
