All About Candle Plant Seeds:
Germination, Storage and Sowing

Candle plant (Cassia alata) is a beautiful flowering shrub that belongs to the legume family. It is also known as Senna alata or ringworm bush due to its medicinal properties. The plant is native to South America and Africa but is now found in many parts of the world, including Asia, Australia, and the Caribbean. It produces bright yellow flowers and has long, green, pinnate leaves.

If you want to grow candle plant in your garden, you need to start with the seeds. Here’s everything you should know about candle plant seeds – germination, storage, and sowing.

Germination of Candle Plant Seeds

Candle plant seeds are easy to germinate if you follow some simple steps. Here’s how:

1. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard seed coat.
2. Fill a pot with well-draining soil mixed with compost or vermiculite.
3. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil.
4. Water the soil gently so that it is moist but not waterlogged.
5. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or plastic wrap to create a humid environment.
6. Place the pot in a warm spot that receives indirect sunlight.
7. Keep the soil moist by spraying it with water from time to time.
8. The seeds should germinate within 10-14 days.

Storage of Candle Plant Seeds

If you want to store candle plant seeds for future use, you need to keep them in an airtight container in a cool and dry place. You can store them for up to three years if you follow these tips:

1. Harvest the seeds when they are fully mature and dry.
2. Remove any debris or chaff from the seeds.
3. Place the seeds in an airtight container or a plastic bag.
4. Label the container with the date of harvesting and the name of the plant.
5. Store the container in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Sowing Candle Plant Seeds

You can sow candle plant seeds directly in your garden or start them indoors in pots. Here are some tips for sowing candle plant seeds:

Sowing Candle Plant Seeds Outdoors

1. Choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun or partial shade.
2. Prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and tilling it to loosen it up.
3. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil.
4. Water the soil gently so that it is moist but not waterlogged.
5. Cover the area with mulch or straw to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
6. Water the area regularly until the seedlings emerge.

Starting Candle Plant Seeds Indoors

1. Fill small pots with well-draining soil mixed with compost or vermiculite.
2. Sow two to three seeds per pot about 1/4 inch deep in the soil.
3. Water the soil gently so that it is moist but not waterlogged.
4. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or plastic wrap to create a humid environment.
5. Place the pot in a warm spot that receives indirect sunlight.
6. Keep the soil moist by spraying it with water from time to time.
7. Once the seedlings emerge, remove any weak ones and leave only one strong one per pot.
8. Transplant the seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

FAQ

What is candle plant?

Candle plant (Cassia alata) is a beautiful flowering shrub that belongs to the legume family.

Where is candle plant native to?

Candle plant is native to South America and Africa but is now found in many parts of the world, including Asia, Australia, and the Caribbean.

How do you germinate candle plant seeds?

To germinate candle plant seeds, soak them in water for 24 hours, sow them about 1/4 inch deep in well-draining soil mixed with compost or vermiculite, cover them with plastic wrap, and keep them moist until they germinate.

How do you store candle plant seeds?

To store candle plant seeds, remove any debris or chaff from them, place them in an airtight container or plastic bag labeled with their name and date of harvesting, and store them in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Can you sow candle plant seeds directly in your garden?

Yes, you can sow candle plant seeds directly in your garden after preparing the soil and watering it gently so that it is moist but not waterlogged.

When should you transplant candle plant seedlings outdoors?

You should transplant candle plant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and when they are strong enough to survive on their own (usually after 3-4 weeks).