How to Grow Royal Empress Tree Seeds (Paulownia tomentosa) – Complete Growing Guide
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How to Grow Royal Empress Tree Seeds (Paulownia tomentosa)
The Royal Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa), also known as the Princess Tree, is widely regarded as one of the fastest-growing shade trees in the world. Native to China and widely grown across the United States, it can reach 10-15 feet in its very first year under ideal conditions, eventually maturing into a magnificent 25-50 foot shade tree. In spring it produces large clusters of fragrant, bell-shaped lavender-purple flowers before the leaves emerge, followed by enormous heart-shaped leaves up to 2-3 feet wide that create dense summer shade. Growing Royal Empress from seed requires a unique technique due to the seeds' tiny size.
Shipping Note: Due to state invasive species regulations, Royal Empress seeds cannot be shipped to Connecticut, Maryland, or Wisconsin.
About Royal Empress Tree
- Botanical Name: Paulownia tomentosa
- Common Names: Royal Empress Tree, Princess Tree, Foxglove Tree
- Origin: China
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-11
- Mature Height: 25-50 feet
- Growth Rate: Extremely fast - up to 10-15 feet in year one
- Bloom Time: Spring (before leaves emerge)
- Flower Color: Lavender-purple, fragrant, bell-shaped
Germination Step-by-Step
Royal Empress seeds are extremely tiny and require a special technique for successful germination.
Step 1 - Mix Seeds with Potato Flakes
Mix equal parts of the seeds with dry instant potato flakes. The seeds are very small and look similar to the flakes. Mixing them with potato flakes dilutes them for easier, more even sowing. The potato flakes also help retain moisture around the seeds once planted.
Step 2 - Prepare a Shallow Tray
Fill a shallow tray with potting soil to a depth of 1 inch and dampen it thoroughly. The tray must have a clear cover so light can pass through - use clear polyethylene film stretched over the top if you don't have a fitted humidity dome.
Step 3 - Surface Sow - Do Not Bury
Sprinkle the seed-and-potato-flake mixture evenly over the soil surface. Do NOT bury the seeds - Royal Empress seeds require light to germinate and must remain on the surface.
Step 4 - Water and Cover
Water the seeds lightly. The potato flakes will absorb moisture and keep the seeds damp until they sprout. Cover the container with the lid or film and place in a warm, sunny location.
Step 5 - Remove Cover at Germination
Remove the lid as soon as you see green sprouts appearing. Mist seedlings lightly and thin them out as they grow to provide adequate space. Transplant to a larger container when seedlings reach about 1 inch tall.
Post-Germination Care
- Light: Full sun to partial shade. Move seedlings to full sun as soon as they are established.
- Watering: Moderate during establishment. Once established, highly drought tolerant.
- Soil: Adaptable to most soil types; prefers well-drained soil.
- Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to encourage rapid growth.
- Pruning: Can be cut back hard to encourage a single strong trunk. Coppicing produces enormous ornamental leaves.
Growing Conditions for Mature Trees
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
- Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Temperature: USDA Zones 5-11
- Uses: Shade tree, ornamental landscape, erosion control, fast privacy screen
Why Grow Royal Empress Tree?
- One of the fastest-growing shade trees in the world
- Large fragrant lavender-purple spring flowers
- Massive tropical-looking leaves up to 2-3 feet wide
- Excellent shade and cooling tree
- Drought tolerant and hardy once established
- Adaptable to many soil types
- Highly ornamental and decorative
Related Growing Guides
- How to Grow Jacaranda Tree Seeds
- How to Grow Royal Poinciana Seeds
- How to Grow Rainbow Eucalyptus Seeds
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