Description
Vitex negundo, commonly known as the five-leaved chaste tree, is a large, aromatic shrub or small slender tree native to tropical Eastern and Southern Africa and Asia. It is characterized by its thin, grey bark and quadrangular, densely whitish branches. The leaves are palmately compound, meaning they are arranged like the fingers on a hand, with three to five lance-shaped leaflets that are green on top and whitish on the bottom.
This deciduous plant produces small, bluish-purple, fragrant flowers in large, pyramidal clusters (panicles). These are followed by small, round, black drupes (succulent fruits) when ripe. Vitex negundo is often found in moist areas, such as along riverbanks and in wastelands. Its deep and strong roots make it useful for erosion control. It is also used for a variety of other purposes, including as a natural insect repellent and for making baskets.
Germination Guide
🌍 Tropical Eastern and Southern Africa, tropical and subtropical Asia including India, China, Southeast Asia, Afghanistan
Moderate
Vitex negundo, commonly known as the five-leaved chaste tree or Chinese chaste tree, is an aromatic deciduous shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. Seeds germinate readily without pre-treatment, typically taking 4-6 weeks. This multipurpose plant is widely used in traditional medicine and as an ornamental, thriving in warm conditions with well-drained soil.
Germination
Germination time
Expect germination in
14 – 42 days
Temperature
Min 21°C
Ideal 24°C
Max 27°C
Substrate moisture
💧 Medium
Sowing depth
Lightly covered
Seed Pre-treatment
-
💧
Soaking — 24 hours
Submerge seeds in room temperature water for 24 hours before sowing to improve germination.
-
🔨
Hot water scarification
Optional: Soak seeds in hot water (not boiling) for 24 hours before sowing to improve germination rate. Water soaking alone is sufficient.
-
❄️
Cold stratification — 90 days at 4°C
-
📋
Additional notes
No pre-treatment is strictly required. Seeds germinate readily without special treatment.
Substrate & Container
Recommended substrate
Well-draining potting mix or sandy loam with good drainage
Recommended container
Seed trays, pots, or flats with drainage holes
Growing Tips
Sow seeds 1-2mm deep or lightly pressed into moist, well-draining substrate. Maintain warm temperature of 21-27°C (70-80°F) during germination. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination is usually free and quick. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle. Optional 24-hour water soak improves germination rates. Light is indifferent but seedlings benefit from indirect light after germination.
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.