PAULOWNIA ELONGATA or SHAN TONG or TOMENTOSA (50 SEEDS)
You have to choose the species you want, ELONGATA or SHAN TONG or TOMENTOSA 50 SEEDS.
Paulownia is a native tree to Asia, with large slightly fuzzy leaves. They are known to grow up to 15 feet (4.6 m) or more in the first year.
It is reportedly the fastest-growing hardwood tree. At maturity they can reach around 20 meters in as little as 5 or 6 years.
It produces a strong yet light wood, and due to its quick growing nature, is suitable for using in biofuel production.
It also gives stunning displays of purple foxglove shaped flowers, with a deep purple throat. Fully hardy to -15°C and well under.
Shan Tong a new generation of artificially crossed Paulownia species that were grown during 11 years of research. They were obtained by artificially crossing P. tomentosa Steud and P. Fortunei Hemsl on the basis of selective improvements in seed sources. This achievement was evaluated by the Department of Forestry of Shanxi of China. It was awarded the science prize on the progress of Shanxi, introduced into national scientific and technological achievements and passed through an examination organized by the highest committee on China’s subtle forest diversity, which reaches the leading level of similar studies in the world. The successful study of Paulownia by artificially crossing P. tomentosa Steud and P. fortunei Hemsl was of great importance all over the world.
Characteristics and advantages of Shan Tong
Shan Tong is the newest and improved version of Paulownia developed at China, which has the following advantages in comparison with other species of Paulownia: rapid growth, strong resistance to diseases and insect pests, greater resistance to drought and cold, large volume of wood produced, good quality, large conservation of the land area due to the narrow crown, exceptional adaptability, strong ability to restore, etc.
Fast Growth Rate
In accordance with the comparative test, in the forests grown under identical conditions during seven years, the average individual volume of Shan Tong is greater than the volume of No. 1 Yuza (artificially crossed species of the old generation) by 63.78%. In the semi-arid regions of western China, the diameter of Shan Tong species, grown during seven years, reached 35 centimeters. Its growth rates, especially in the early period, are at the leading level. Rapid growth rate will shorten the felling period, and will also increase the volume of wood obtained.
The seeds are very small so sow as thinly as possible to avoid crowding which leave seedlings more susceptible to damping off. Place the seeds on the surface of a tray containing well drained compost. Do not cover the seeds as light is required for germination.
Stand the tray in water to soak and either cover with a plastic dome or place the tray into a plastic bag. Temperatures should ideally not exceed 30°C (85°F) during the daytime and not below 18°C (60°F) at night. Always keep the soil mixture moist (not soaked) during the germination process. The seeds will germinate in 30 to 60 days and grow rapidly when conditions are favourable. The sown seeds then need to be placed in a place that receives plenty of light but not direct sunlight. If sufficient light is not available additional artificial light should be used. After a day or so the water vapor will begin to condense on the inside of the film indicating 100% humidity inside and the correct conditions for the surface sown seed to germinate. According to the University of Kentucky, unstratified seed needs 150 hours of sunlight to germinate.
Cultivation:
After germination, remove the cover or bag. When seedlings are big enough to handle (about 2 to 3 weeks), carefully transfer to pots. Grow on until they are strong enough to plant into their permanent positions. Harden off before planting out after the last expected frosts.
