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Paulownia fortunei – Fortunes Empress Tree, Sapphire Tree

Botanical nomenclature: Paulownia fortunei
Common name: Fortunes Empress Tree, Sapphire Tree
Family: Paulowniaceae

1.92

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Description

A medium-sized, deciduous tree to about 25 m tall with large leaves and very attractive, bell-shaped, pinkish flowers. It is easy, extremely fast growing and a popular ornamental in warm temperate regions around the world.

Germination Guide

🌍 South-Central and Southeastern China, Taiwan, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam
Easy

Paulownia fortunei, commonly called the Fortune Tree or Dragon Tree, is a deciduous tree native to southeastern China, Taiwan, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Known for being one of the world's fastest-growing hardwood trees and prized for both ornamental beauty and valuable timber. Germination is straightforward and highly successful under warm, humid conditions with bright light and consistent moisture.

Germination
Germination time
Expect germination in

7 – 56 days

Temperature

Min 18°C
Ideal 21°C
Max 24°C
🌡️ Temperature alternation recommended
— Alternate freezing and thawing treatments (24h at -18°C, 24h at room temperature) can improve germination rates, reaching up to 27% in some studies

Light
☀️ Light required

Substrate moisture
💧 Medium

Sowing depth
Surface

Press seed
👆 Yes

Germination rate
88 %


Seed Pre-treatment
  • ❄️


    Cold stratification — 8 days at 4°C
  • 📋

    Additional notes
    Optional cold stratification (4-12 weeks at 4°C) recommended to improve germination uniformity and reduce light requirements

Substrate & Container
Recommended substrate
Fine peat/coco and perlite mix (2:2:1 ratio of perlite:peat:potting soil) or light, well-draining seed-starting mix

Recommended container
Peat pots, seed trays, small containers with drainage, or mini-greenhouse


Growing Tips
Surface sow seeds directly on moist substrate without covering, as light is essential for germination. Maintain medium moisture—not waterlogged—as seeds die rapidly if allowed to dry. Provide bright, indirect light with approximately 150 hours of illumination during germination; direct sun can overheat containers. Optimal temperature is 18-24°C (65-75°F) with bottom heat or heating mat beneficial. Use a humidity dome or plastic wrap to retain moisture while allowing some air circulation. Pre-moisten substrate before sowing, gently firm seeds in place, and monitor closely during initial root emergence. Apply a light mulch if field sowing. Expect germination in 7-11 days under optimal conditions, though may extend to 4-8 weeks depending on temperature and light. Keep seedlings warm and humid; reduce watering after sprouting and transplant once they reach 6 inches with visible taproots.

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