California Glory Tree

[Lampranthus]

Hi All,
I am new here and from the U.K. I have a California Glory tree which is now 10 ft high in my garden, I would like to know how to cultivate the seed, can any one help me or point me to a web site which could .......Thank you Lampranthus

[zuzu's petals]

Hi All,
I am new here and from the U.K. I have a California Glory tree which is now 10 ft high in my garden, I would like to know how to cultivate the seed, can any one help me or point me to a web site which could .......Thank you Lampranthus

Hiya Lampranthus, welcome,
If you are referring to Fremontodendron californicum,
I understand that they require a site with perfect drainage
and must be kept very dry in summer.

Even so, they are considered to be short-lived, with 20 years
being a ripe old age for a cultivated specimen.
Apparently, sudden, catastrophic failure is not unusual, often with no prior signs of trouble.

The seed capsules are prickly, and should be handled with gloves.

To propagate from seed ~
Harvest the seeds while the pod is still just green,
the seeds should be black and shiny, but the outer casing should not yet have quite hardened.

The recommendation is to pour hot water over the seeds
and then to leave them to soak for 24 to 48 hours.
One site recommended cold stratification for 60 to 90 days,
and I have read that chelated soil is suggested.

Grow the young plants in a greenhouse for at least the first winter,
then plant them into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer.

Have a look here:
http://www.malvaceae.info/Genera/Fre...odendreae.html

[Lampranthus]

hello:Zuzu's petals,
Yes thats my tree Fremontodendron californicum, sorry I gave the common name Calafornia Glory, that's what its called in the U.K. Thanks your a for all that info it will help me no end,I will now be able to plant some seeds, will also go over to the site your recommended tomorrow as its time for sleep here,

Lampranthus