Firmiana simplex

Chinese Parasol Tree

10 seeds.

A great choice for a jungle style garden with its distinctly large oversized maple like leaves which can reach over 45cm across on mature plants.   Forms a small tree and is best suited to a sheltered warm spot.  Has proven to be more hardy than originally thought, taking at least  -10c when larger.

Soak the seeds in warm water for a day and then cold stratify in vermiculite in a container in a fridge for 1 to 2 months.  Then sow on a good quality seed compost, covering the seeds with vermiculite and keeping moist but not wet at around 22C to 25C.  Germination in 1+ months.  Keep small plants frost free for their first winter.