Popcorn Cassia (Senna Didymobotrya) - 20 Seeds
Popcorn Cassia is a perennial flowering legume, that produces beautiful yellow blooms year-round in Zones 9-11 (it can be grown as an annual in Zones 8 & below). It is commonly referred to as the popcorn plant because of the scent of buttered popcorn (or peanut butter) given off of the leaves when rubbed or blown in the wind.
While it is native to Africa it has naturalized in many regions across the world, and is incredibly drought resistant and useful both as an ornamental plant, source of green manure, and nitrogen fixer. It can grow upwards of 25 feet tall in perfect conditions, but generally tops out at around 6-10 feet (mine is currently about 13 feet tall). It can live up to 20 years.
While not an edible plant it is worth noting that the plant is poisonous to both people and pets, so if you any of either that love to chow down on everything they seed I would avoid growing it.
GERMINATION:
The seeds are easy to germinate, but their hard outer coating is resistant to water, making scarification necessary for successful germination. This can be achieved by scuffing up the seeds with sandpaper, or pre-treating them with freshly boiled water (or by placing them in water for 24 hours).
To pre-treat, place the seeds in a container, pour freshly boiled water over them, and let them soak overnight. Seeds that swell during this process are ready for sowing, and the others should be treated again.
Sow the seeds 6–10 mm deep in soil, ensuring they are kept warm and moist (but not overly wet). Germination typically occurs within 10–21 days at temperatures between 65–72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Popcorn Cassia is a perennial flowering legume, that produces beautiful yellow blooms year-round in Zones 9-11 (it can be grown as an annual in Zones 8 & below). It is commonly referred to as the popcorn plant because of the scent of buttered popcorn (or peanut butter) given off of the leaves when rubbed or blown in the wind.
While it is native to Africa it has naturalized in many regions across the world, and is incredibly drought resistant and useful both as an ornamental plant, source of green manure, and nitrogen fixer. It can grow upwards of 25 feet tall in perfect conditions, but generally tops out at around 6-10 feet (mine is currently about 13 feet tall). It can live up to 20 years.
While not an edible plant it is worth noting that the plant is poisonous to both people and pets, so if you any of either that love to chow down on everything they seed I would avoid growing it.
GERMINATION:
The seeds are easy to germinate, but their hard outer coating is resistant to water, making scarification necessary for successful germination. This can be achieved by scuffing up the seeds with sandpaper, or pre-treating them with freshly boiled water (or by placing them in water for 24 hours).
To pre-treat, place the seeds in a container, pour freshly boiled water over them, and let them soak overnight. Seeds that swell during this process are ready for sowing, and the others should be treated again.
Sow the seeds 6–10 mm deep in soil, ensuring they are kept warm and moist (but not overly wet). Germination typically occurs within 10–21 days at temperatures between 65–72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Popcorn Cassia is a perennial flowering legume, that produces beautiful yellow blooms year-round in Zones 9-11 (it can be grown as an annual in Zones 8 & below). It is commonly referred to as the popcorn plant because of the scent of buttered popcorn (or peanut butter) given off of the leaves when rubbed or blown in the wind.
While it is native to Africa it has naturalized in many regions across the world, and is incredibly drought resistant and useful both as an ornamental plant, source of green manure, and nitrogen fixer. It can grow upwards of 25 feet tall in perfect conditions, but generally tops out at around 6-10 feet (mine is currently about 13 feet tall). It can live up to 20 years.
While not an edible plant it is worth noting that the plant is poisonous to both people and pets, so if you any of either that love to chow down on everything they seed I would avoid growing it.
GERMINATION:
The seeds are easy to germinate, but their hard outer coating is resistant to water, making scarification necessary for successful germination. This can be achieved by scuffing up the seeds with sandpaper, or pre-treating them with freshly boiled water (or by placing them in water for 24 hours).
To pre-treat, place the seeds in a container, pour freshly boiled water over them, and let them soak overnight. Seeds that swell during this process are ready for sowing, and the others should be treated again.
Sow the seeds 6–10 mm deep in soil, ensuring they are kept warm and moist (but not overly wet). Germination typically occurs within 10–21 days at temperatures between 65–72 degrees Fahrenheit.