Catalpa bignonoides (Indian Bean Tree) seeds

Unusual, medium-sized tree with splendid large light green leaves up to 25cm across which are purplish when young. Flowers in summer, bearing white, bell-shaped flowers marked with yellow and purple, followed by long, cylindrical, pendent pods which often persist after leaf fall. Very tolerant of pollution. Makes an unusual specimen tree - wonderful for sitting under on a summer's day! Can be pruned back hard each spring to produce even bigger leaves.

Hardy Tree
Flowers: Summer
Height and Spread: 10m
Position: Prefers full sun

Packet of 20 seeds

RHS Plants for Pollinators. 

The RHS Plants for Pollinators mark is only given to plants that support pollinating insects. Find out more at rhs.org.uk/plantsforpollinators

GROWING GUIDE

Sowing Instructions: Can be sown at any time of year.  Sow the seeds thinly in pots or containers on the surface of moist seed compost (eg. John Innes) mixed with vermiculite or perlite and just cover the seeds with sieved compost, vermiculite or perlite. Seal in a polythene bag or place in a propagator and maintain at 17 to 20C. Germination usually takes 14-30 days. NB. Germination can be erratic, hence the need to sow thinly so that seedlings can be removed whilst disturbing the rest of the compost as little as possible.

Growing Instructions: As the seedlings emerge, open the bag or propagator vents to provide adequate ventilation for the seedlings and grow on in cooler conditions (about 15C) until large enough to handle when they should be potted up into 7.5 or 9cm pots. Reseal the bag or close the vents and repeat this process as more seedlings emerge. Grow the potted seedlings on out of direct sunlight, protecting the young trees from frost for the first few winters. Harden off in spring and plant out in a sunny position.