- 1). Harvest seedpods from a vigorous baobab tree in late summer when the pods are brownish-gray in color and ripe to the touch. Cut them free at the stem using a utility or gardening knife. Purchase seeds from an exotic plant dealer if a baobab tree is unavailable for seed harvest.
- 2). Make an incision lengthwise down one side of the fruit using the utility knife. Tap the pod with a mallet or hammer wrapped in a dishcloth to break the pod open and reveal the seeds. Scoop the seeds out and discard any with damage or deformities.
- 3). Nick the outer hull of each baobab seed using the tip of the utility knife blade. Do not insert the blade into the seed further than the outer hull.
- 4). Place the baobab seeds in a vacuum flask or bowl of hot water and close the top. The water should be approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit for best results. Soak the seeds for two to four hours. Drain them on a paper towel.
- 5). Mix 2 parts coarse sand, 1 part small gravel, 1 part perlite and 1 part potting soil to create a good soil mixture for baobab growing. Make sure the perlite and potting soil are evenly distributed throughout the gravel and sand.
- 6). Fill a 1-gallon container with the sand mixture. Pour 4 cups of water on the sand mixture and allow it to drain for 15 minutes before sowing the baobab seeds.
- 7). Press the baobab seeds 1/2-inch below the surface of the sand. Sprinkle a light layer of sand over the top of each seed and do not tamp it or firm it.
- 8). Place the baobab seeds on a heat mat near a bright, west or south-facing window to germinate. Keep temperatures surrounding the pots above 75 degrees Fahrenheit at all times for the first three weeks.
- 9). Apply no more than 1/4-cup of water to the pot per week. Only apply water when the sand mixture feels dry at a depth of 1 1/2 inches.
- 10
Check for signs of growth after three weeks, but do not be discouraged if the seed fails to sprout by that time since baobabs may take as long as 90 days to germinate. - 11
Transfer the seedlings to permanent pots once they reach 6 inches in height.
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