soap nut seeds
How to Grow Soap Nut Trees
Many of you who have come to know and love soap nuts as your preferred chemical free laundry detergent may have decided to try to grow your own soap nut tree.
There are a several things you may want to know before you go digging into your bag of soap nuts searching for the treasure of a seed.
First, before you introduce any new kind of plant or tree into your garden or environment check with your local agricultural department about planting it. Just because it’s a live plant doesn’t mean it won’t cause havoc to your locally or regionally indigenous eco-system. Those of you who have seen torpedo grass in New Orleans, duck weed on pods across the US, and pitcher plants in Louisiana will understand that warning. These things overtook the areas where they were planted or scattered and they destroyed many local plants and even fish in ponds by altering the natural balance of the environment into which they were introduced. In part this was because they grew beyond expectations.
Second, it will take about ten years before your soap nut tree will begin to bear fruit for you to harvest.
Third, you will need to soak the seed to soften it for at least 24 hours. This will allow the sprout to break through as the seed germinates. If you’ve ever grown an avocado from a pit you can visualize what I mean.
Fourth, it can take from one to three months to get the seed to germinate and all seeds won’t necessarily germinate. Be patient.
Fifth, once you get the seed to germinate you will want to protect it from extreme weather conditions. Remember that although soap nut trees are drought resistant you should check to see how close your growing zone is to the natural zone for soap nut trees to know about exposure to cold, freezing temperatures, and sun.
Fourth, the soap nut trees grow to about 75 meters in height so once you get clearance to plant and you have a small tree you will want to be sure you have ample room for it to grow.
I have found a link with other details about growing your own soap nut tree, and even tracked down a source for the seeds.
Exeterra Blog – How To: Grow Soap Nut Trees
Seedman.com – Soap Nut Tree Seeds
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