Post by Indilwen on Aug 4, 2010 19:10:49 GMT 12
Grow your own Soap Nut Tree (SAPINDUS mukorossi).
The SoapNut tree is deciduous and can reach a height of 12-20m and a girth of 3-5m in 70 years and prefers tropical and subtropical conditions. In cooler conditions the tree grows smaller. The tree grows well in deep clayey loam soil and in areas with high rainfall, 150-200cm of annual rainfall.
It is a handsome tree found throughout most of India. Numerous small purple flowers occur is panicles to 8" length. The tree resembles large Mimosa trees to some extent.
It takes 9-10 years for the trees to produce the SoapNut berries. It flowers during summer and the berries are collected during winter months.
This tree is taller than the Sapindus saponaria tree. The fruit from Sapindus mukorossi are the most widely used for washing, it is said to produce a larger fruit and better quality washing ability.
Germination:
Plant as soon as you receive your seeds. Do not store.
1. You have to weaken the seeds coat. Use a nail file or sand paper to scarify. If you find it too tough, you can hammer the seed. Please be careful and do not to crush the seed. We just want to weaken the seed coat.
2. Soak the seed overnight in warm/hot water. Do not use boiled water, let it sit for 5 minutes. Then fill up a vacuum-insulated thermos with the seeds and water, and let it soak for 24 hours. The thermos will keep the water warm throughout that period. The soaking process is particularly important, as the water is what activates the germination.
3. Plant the seeds (best time of the year spring to early summer). Use good potting soil (not dirt - good quality potting/germinating soil). Plan the seeds at a depth of 2.5cm. Choose a pot that is deep, as SoapNut trees send down vertical tap roots. Put the pot(s) in a place where it will not be in direct sun, and where it can catch some rainfall. Water the pots if the soil starts to dry, but don't water if it is still moist (that can promote fungal growth.) Also, avoid fertilizing the soil before germination occurs - high levels of nitrogen in the soil can actually inhibit germination in general.
4. Wait and watch the seeds growing. The germination process can take 1 to 3 months (in summer months) . In cooler months a little more patience will be needed, you will need to ensure that the seed mix is warm and provide sufficient light.
5. Look after your trees.
In time the seed will swell in size, almost to double its original size and forms a white powder coating around the seed coating. Don't be concerned when you see this, it is a good sign that the seedling is about to emerge.
As soon as the seedling emerges, you will need to re-pot into a large container or plant bag to protect the very long main root. This is a sub-tropical/tropical plant that loves rain, so keep in a sunny spot and water regularly.
The SoapNut tree is deciduous and can reach a height of 12-20m and a girth of 3-5m in 70 years and prefers tropical and subtropical conditions. In cooler conditions the tree grows smaller. The tree grows well in deep clayey loam soil and in areas with high rainfall, 150-200cm of annual rainfall.
It is a handsome tree found throughout most of India. Numerous small purple flowers occur is panicles to 8" length. The tree resembles large Mimosa trees to some extent.
It takes 9-10 years for the trees to produce the SoapNut berries. It flowers during summer and the berries are collected during winter months.
This tree is taller than the Sapindus saponaria tree. The fruit from Sapindus mukorossi are the most widely used for washing, it is said to produce a larger fruit and better quality washing ability.
Germination:
Plant as soon as you receive your seeds. Do not store.
1. You have to weaken the seeds coat. Use a nail file or sand paper to scarify. If you find it too tough, you can hammer the seed. Please be careful and do not to crush the seed. We just want to weaken the seed coat.
2. Soak the seed overnight in warm/hot water. Do not use boiled water, let it sit for 5 minutes. Then fill up a vacuum-insulated thermos with the seeds and water, and let it soak for 24 hours. The thermos will keep the water warm throughout that period. The soaking process is particularly important, as the water is what activates the germination.
3. Plant the seeds (best time of the year spring to early summer). Use good potting soil (not dirt - good quality potting/germinating soil). Plan the seeds at a depth of 2.5cm. Choose a pot that is deep, as SoapNut trees send down vertical tap roots. Put the pot(s) in a place where it will not be in direct sun, and where it can catch some rainfall. Water the pots if the soil starts to dry, but don't water if it is still moist (that can promote fungal growth.) Also, avoid fertilizing the soil before germination occurs - high levels of nitrogen in the soil can actually inhibit germination in general.
4. Wait and watch the seeds growing. The germination process can take 1 to 3 months (in summer months) . In cooler months a little more patience will be needed, you will need to ensure that the seed mix is warm and provide sufficient light.
5. Look after your trees.
In time the seed will swell in size, almost to double its original size and forms a white powder coating around the seed coating. Don't be concerned when you see this, it is a good sign that the seedling is about to emerge.
As soon as the seedling emerges, you will need to re-pot into a large container or plant bag to protect the very long main root. This is a sub-tropical/tropical plant that loves rain, so keep in a sunny spot and water regularly.