Seed Treatment:
- Lightly nick the seed coat with a nail file or sandpaper (scarification).
• Then soak seeds in warm water for 12–24 hours before sowing to soften the seed coat and trigger germination.
When to Sow:
• Indoors: Start seeds 6–8 weeks before the last frost date in cooler regions.
• Outdoors: Sow in late spring to early summer in warmer climates (Zones 9–11).
Sowing Instructions:
• Sow seeds ¼ inch (6 mm) deep in well-draining seed-starting mix.
• Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
• Maintain a temperature of 70–85°F (21–29°C) for best germination.
• Germination usually occurs in 10–21 days.
Light Requirements:
• Requires full sun for vigorous growth and best flowering.
Soil Requirements:
• Prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soil.
• Tolerant of poor or dry soils once established.
• pH range: 6.0–8.0.
Watering:
• Keep soil moist during germination and early growth.
• Once established, Tecoma stans is drought-tolerant, needing only occasional deep watering.
Spacing & Transplanting:
• Transplant seedlings when they have at least 2–3 sets of true leaves.
• Space plants 3–5 feet (1–1.5 meters) apart for shrubs or small trees.
Growing Tips:
• A fast-growing tropical shrub or small tree with trumpet-shaped, golden-yellow flowers.
• Blooms from late spring to fall, especially in hot climates.
• Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Grows as a perennial in USDA Zones 9–11, and as a container plant or annual in cooler zones.
• Prune regularly to shape and control size.