SESBANIA PUNICEA

Description

"Spanish Gold" or "Rattlebox" is a most ornamental shrub bearing clusters of attractive bright red flowers held above evergreen compound leaves. It grows well in almost any position but is especially suitable for wet or moist areas in warmer climates. In winter long seed pods with a distinctive rattle appear, hence one of its common names.

Sowing Advice

These seeds have already been thoroughly cleaned and cold-stored for several months. They should be sown into well-drained, sandy compost at any time of the year, and covered to their own depth with sand or grit. No artificial heat is needed; the seed tray is best left in a cool spot outside and kept moist. Seeds usually germinate in the spring after a chilling in the cold compost, regardless of when they are sown. IMPORTANT! The shells of these seeds contain an inpenetrable barrier to water and MUST be lightly abraded, for example with sandpaper, at one spot to allow germination to occur! Sow about one cm deep and keep at about 20 degrees C for several weeks when germination should occur. Do NOT throw away the seed pots as many seeds will come up later.

Key Facts