How to plant kapok seeds

Seed collection and processing

The fruits of the kapok flower are gray-black when ripe, and the seeds of the flower can easily float around with the cotton wool, so if you want to collect the seeds, you must do so in time. After collecting them, spread them out in the sun and shake out the seeds. One thousand seeds weigh about 47.5 grams, and the germination rate is between 70% and 80% . If stored for too long, the germination rate will decrease or even lose the ability to germinate. Therefore, it is best to sow immediately after harvesting. If you want to delay, you can use wet sand for short-term storage.

Before sowing , disinfect with 0.3% potassium permanganate solution, then rinse with clean water, dry and then sow.

Land preparation and sowing

Choose slightly acidic loam with good drainage, deep soil layer, loose soil, good structure, sufficient light and strong water retention as the sowing site. It is best to prepare the land carefully before sowing. Sowing is done by broadcasting. After sowing, cover with 2 cm thick soil, press down slightly to make the seeds and soil combine tightly, then water enough. Thereafter, water 1 to 2 times a day to keep the soil moist.

Seedling management

Generally, kapok seeds begin to germinate 4 days after sowing, and germination is basically completed within 3 days. After the seedlings emerge from the soil, the soil should be kept moist to meet the water requirements of the kapok plant during its growth. When the sunlight is strong and the temperature is high, a shade net can be used to provide shade to prevent high temperatures and sunburn.