Blue Sausage Fruit Tree Seeds (Decaisnea fargesii) Hardy Ornamental Edible Shrub

Blue Sausage Fruit Tree Seeds (Decaisnea fargesii) Hardy Ornamental Edible Shrub

The Decaisnea fargesii, commonly known as Blue Sausage Fruit or Dead Man’s Fingers, is a rare deciduous ornamental shrub prized for its extraordinary metallic blue seed pods and lush tropical-looking foliage. Native to mountainous regions of western China, Nepal, Bhutan, and surrounding areas, this unusual species is highly valued by collectors and exotic plant enthusiasts.

Blue Sausage Fruit develops as a large multi-stemmed shrub or small tree reaching up to 20 feet tall and wide under ideal conditions. It features long graceful pinnate leaves that create a bold tropical appearance in the landscape. In spring and early summer, drooping clusters of greenish-yellow flowers appear, later developing into the plant’s famous elongated bright blue fruit pods.

The striking bean-like fruits contain a translucent edible pulp with a mildly sweet refreshing flavor often compared to cucumber, melon, or watermelon. While the inner pulp is edible, the blue outer skin is not typically consumed.

This hardy ornamental species grows best in fertile, consistently moist but well-draining slightly acidic soil. It performs well in full sun to partial shade and thrives in temperate climates with adequate moisture.

Blue Sausage Fruit is an outstanding conversation plant for edible landscapes, woodland gardens, rare plant collections, and exotic ornamental plantings.

🌱 Growing & Care Information

Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, fertile, slightly acidic well-draining soil
Water: Moderate consistent moisture preferred
Growth: Large deciduous ornamental shrub or small tree
Climate: Cool to temperate regions

🌿 Why Grow Blue Sausage Fruit?

• Rare metallic blue ornamental fruits
• Edible sweet translucent fruit pulp
• Exotic tropical-looking foliage
• Hardy unusual collector plant
• Excellent ornamental landscape specimen
• Fast-growing multi-stemed shrub
• Great conversation and novelty plant
• Unique edible ornamental species

USDA Hardiness Zones: 6–9

Sausage Tree Germination:

1) Soak the seeds Soak the seeds in water for 12–24 hours. You can also remove the fleshy coating by gently rubbing the seeds with a cloth or towel.

 2) Cold stratify Cover the seeds with plastic and place them in the fridge for 90 days. Keep the seeds moist, but not overly wet. 

3) Plant the seeds Sow the seeds about 1/2 inch deep in a well-draining potting mix. You can use a mix that contains perlite, vermiculite, or sand. 

4) Warm the seeds, Bring the seeds to room temperature (68–72°F). 

5) Germination usually occurs 30+ days after warming, but some seeds may take longer.

Germinación del árbol de salchichas:

1) Remojar las semillas Remojar las semillas en agua durante 12 a 24 horas. También puedes quitar la capa carnosa frotando suavemente las semillas con un paño o toalla.

2) Estratificar en frío Cubrir las semillas con plástico y colocarlas en el refrigerador durante 90 días. Mantener las semillas húmedas, pero no demasiado mojadas.

3) Plantar las semillas Siembra las semillas a aproximadamente 1/2 pulgada de profundidad en una mezcla para macetas con buen drenaje. Puedes usar una mezcla que contenga perlita, vermiculita o arena.

4) Calentar las semillas, Llevar las semillas a temperatura ambiente (68–72 °F).

5) La germinación generalmente ocurre 30 días o más después del calentamiento, pero algunas semillas pueden tardar más.