Golden Shower Tree Grow and Care | Cassia Fistula Propagation

Golden shower tree adds a tropical dimension to the place they thrive in. So, check this guide to know Golden Shower Tree Grow and Care tips.

The tree’s bountiful yellow flowers add a burst of colors to the gardens during the summers. So, if you are inclined to grow this tree in your yard, this article on Golden Shower Tree Grow and Care is the right pick.

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What is Golden Shower Tree?

The tree is renowned for the abundant clusters of yellow flowers that cover up all the branches. The flowers continue to display from late spring to late summer. Its leaves shed all the leaves during early springs before the blooming period. The blooming in the tree is so profuse that it fills the whole landscape with golden flowers, hence it got the name golden shower. Moreover, this tree has many therapeutic uses, and even the flowers are edible in some parts of India.

Botanical Name: Cassia fistula

Common Names: Golden shower, Purging cassia, Indian laburnum, Pudding-pipe tree

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Cassia Fistula Propagation

From Seeds

1. The plant can be propagated from the seeds that appear in seedpods after the flowering period.
2. The seedpods are brown in color and each seedpod contains 25-100 seeds.
3. Harvest the pod when it has turned dark brown and the seeds inside rattle when you shake the seedpod.
4. You can collect the seeds from the pod, and rinse them in water.
5. Then, remove the pulp around the seed and slit the seed coat.
6. Now, soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 24-hours.
7. Fill a pot with well-draining, sterile potting soil mix and plant the seeds no more than 1-2 inches deep.
8. Keep the soil media moderately moist always. Also, place at any warm, indirect sunlight spot.
9. You will witness the growth of seedlings within a month or so.

Note: You can also purchase quality seeds from the local vendor shop or buy a well-grown seedling for fuss-free propagation.

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Golden Shower Tree Grow and Care Tips

Sunlight

The plant is native to the subtropical climatic area and therefore appreciates plenty of sunlight. You can locate the plant where it can receive 6-8 hours of full sunlight on a daily basis. The abundant sunlight causes lush foliage growth and stimulates profuse blooming in the following year.

Watering

Water this plant on a regular basis until the roots become well established at least. As a thumb rule, water the plant whenever the top 1-2 inches of the soil feels dry to touch. Water it deeply and uniformly near the base of the plant. Increase the frequency of watering during the dry and warm weather of summers. But, withhold the watering during the winters and monsoon period.

Soil

Choose any well-draining, porous and fertile soil for planting cassia. Avoid the spot with soil that remains boggy for an extended period after the rain. You can choose any commercial potting soil for initial planting in a container. Then, transplant in the garden soil well amended with sufficient organic matter like compost and cow dung manure.

Climate

Golden shower belongs to the tropical climate of India and therefore responds well to the warm and sunny climate. On average, this tree works well in the temperature range of 18-30 C. Make sure the temperature does not drop significantly, else you will witness leaves shedding.

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Golden Shower Care

Fertilizer

A general-purpose fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio suffices for this plant. Refer to the instruction label for details. Some gardeners prefer adding a handful of slow-release fertilizer to the soil prior to planting. Simply sprinkle the fertilizer around the base and let them nestle on their own.

Pruning

You can trim off any dead, diseased, or broken branches from the tree on a periodic basis. Besides, the younger tree grows in an asymmetrical fashion and sometimes droops down the ground  Therefore, it is suggested to prune the branches during the young stage to foster its uniform crown growth and keep its shape in check.

Mulching

Mulching helps in retaining moisture and keeps the temperature cool. You can mulch the base of the area using organic materials like shredded leaves, barks, grass clippings, etc. You can lay a 2-inches wide layer and consider replenishing it at least once a year.

Staking

The young trees have a tendency to droop on the ground, thus, many gardeners recommend providing it support through the staking. Staking also keeps the size and shape in check, while helping in getting a structured crown.

Pests and Diseases

The plant is prone to get attacked by aphids, and whiteflies. You can easily deter them from using the garden hose. If the infection has turned widespread then consider applying neem oil or soap solution.