Common Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum) - Seeds

Sowing instructions

Cercis siliquastrum, also known as Judas tree, is an impressive ornamental tree that impresses with its bright pink flowers. To sow the seeds successfully, you should first stratify them. Place the seeds in warm water for around 24 hours to increase their germination capacity. They should then be stored in the refrigerator at around 4 °C for around 4 to 6 weeks. You can then place the seeds in nutrient-poor potting compost, about 1 cm deep. Make sure to keep the substrate evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. The ideal location is bright and warm, at a temperature of 20 to 25 °C. Germination takes about 4 to 8 weeks.

Harvest, use & storage

The fruits of the Judas tree are flat, bean-like pods that ripen in late summer. You can remove the seeds as soon as the pods have turned dry and brown. Store them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. This will keep them germinable for several years. Note that the seeds are generally not suitable for consumption and should only be used to grow ornamental plants.

Tips and tricks

• To improve the germination rate, you can lightly roughen the seeds with sandpaper before sowing.
• The Judas tree prefers a sunny to semi-shady location and well-drained, calcareous soil.
• Young plants should be protected from heavy frost in the first few years. Winter protection made of fleece or foliage helps to protect the sensitive roots.
• Regular watering during the growth phase promotes vigorous root growth.

Worth knowing

The Judas tree allegedly takes its name from the legend that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from this tree. Botanically, it belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae) and originally comes from the Mediterranean region and western Asia. Its flowering is particularly fascinating: the pink flowers grow directly on the trunk and on older branches, a phenomenon known as "cauliflory". Cercis siliquastrum can grow up to 10 meters high and just as wide, making it an impressive eye-catcher in the garden.