Paulownia Fortunei Seeds, Emperor Tree

Sowing **Paulownia fortunei** (or emperor tree) can be a fascinating experience if you follow the right steps. Here are some tips for successfully germinating and growing this species:

### 1. **Seed Preparation**
- Paulownia fortunei seeds are small and light. They can be sown directly after harvest or stored until spring.
- Before sowing, it is recommended to stratify the seeds, which consists of putting them through a cold period to imitate winter. You can mix them with damp sand and leave them in a refrigerator for about 4 to 6 weeks.

### 2. **Soil preparation**
- The soil should be well drained and slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6 to 7). You can enrich it with compost to promote growth.
- It is also possible to sow in a pot with a mixture of light potting soil, sand and perlite.

### 3. **Sowing**
- Sow the seeds on the surface without covering them with soil, because they need light to germinate.
- If you sow in a pot, use a seed tray or small boxes. You can also sow directly in the ground, but it depends on your climate.

### 4. **Germination conditions**
- The ideal temperature for germination is between 20 and 25 °C. It is important to maintain soil moisture, but without excess water, to avoid the development of mold.
- Germination can take 2 to 4 weeks, depending on temperature and humidity conditions.

### 5. **Seedling Care**
- Once the seeds have germinated, make sure the seedlings receive plenty of light (but no direct sun for the first few weeks).
- Water regularly to maintain soil moisture, but allow it to dry out between waterings.
- If you have sown in pots, you can transplant them into more spacious soil or into open ground when they are a few centimetres high, generally after a few months.

### 6. **Transplanting and planting in open ground**
- Young plants can be transplanted into the ground in spring or early summer, once they have reached a sufficient size.
- Choose a sunny location, sheltered from strong winds, and make sure there is enough space for the trees to grow, as Paulownia fortunei is a large tree.

### 7. **Aftercare**
- Paulownia fortunei is a relatively easy plant to grow and tolerant of varied soil conditions, but it does need plenty of light and well-drained soil.
- In summer, regular watering and mulching around young trees are recommended to help them grow well.

By following these steps, you will have a good chance of successfully germinating and growing a beautiful Paulownia fortunei tree.