HOW DO I GERMINATE KRATOM SEEDS?

Mitragyna speciosa is a beautiful, hardy, and extremely tall tree, sometimes reaching heights of 300 meters! The seeds produced by these trees couldn't be more delicate; they grow in podheads, that contain about 50 seed pods per head, and each pod can contain about 50 seeds. The seeds are no larger than a sliver. Because the seeds are so delicate and so many, they also have a low germination rate as well.

Kratom seeds will sprout surprisingly easy, though. Since you can expect a viability rate of about 20% from fresh Kratom seeds, and about 10% from ones that are not so fresh, you can plant between 5-10 seeds per pot. Planting is simple; you can simply drop them onto the top of the soil, and then sprinkle a very thin layer of soil on top, just enough to cover the seeds. In nature, the seeds are so light an so many, that they spread far and wide in the air, and only delicately land, like feathers, on the forest floor.

So use that image as a guide when planting your own seeds.

Soil needs to be any standard potting soil...you don't want sandy soil like cactus like to grow in; this is a tree, and a fast-growing one at that! Temperatures need to be as moderate as possible; you can't subject your Kratom tree to ANY freezing temperatures whatsoever! It likes a constant temperature of about 75 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and does extremely well in natural sunlight. If you live in a place that has cold winters, you will notice a marked increase in leaf production if you bring your Kratom tree outside for the summer.

As far as watering; just don't let the soil dry out, but don't soak it either. BUT: Once you little sapling is established, and is a young tree, it is difficult to over-water this plant. Once the tree really gets growing, it is not uncommon to water it every day. Leaf production only takes about 6 months to start, and you can get a large number of leaves on a regular basis. Just don't strip your tree too much; we know how tempting that can be.

We wish you all the best in your endeavor, and hope this beautiful and sacred Mitragyna speciosa plant brings you as much joy as it has us by growing and cultivating it from seed.

Peacefulness,
Bodhi

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

How Do I Germinate Tree Seeds?

Germination Techniques: Community Pots Or Beds

This is a method by which seeds are sewn in a container or bed, typically many seeds placed side by side in the germinating soil. This is good for day to day observation and offers a grower the opportunity to remove seedlings at will.  This is also the most used technique by commercial growers.

Advantages: Easy observation, erect seedlings, good air circulation, easy application of chemicals or fertilizer, application of bottom heat, and independent removal of seedlings as needed.

Disadvantages: Somewhat more difficult to set up, potential for less heat or humidity, greater desiccation risk, chance for collateral contamination by fungus.

Germination Techniques: "Baggie" Technique

An easy technique of placing seeds with some slightly damp moss into a transparent plastic baggie and putting the baggie in a warm environment, such as near a water heater.  This is the most preferred technique by hobbyists.

Advantages: improved humidity, inexpensive, simple, space efficient, mobile, and good for small numbers of seeds

Disadvantages: Poor visibility, twisted seedlings, potential for rapid fungal demise, lack of ventilation, inferior light, risk of under-hydration without warning, and need for timely removal when ready or one gets β€œseedling spaghetti”.

Simple Outdoor Germination

This means germinating outdoors in a small pot or the garden, nothing fancy. This can be successful with many species in you live in an area that gets adequate heat and not too cold. One should avoid direct sunlight on most species and keep the soil somewhat damp.

Germination Medium/Soil in a Pot

It must provide a root substrate, moisture, nutrients and aeration, and is ideally loose enough for easy penetration of germination radical.  It should accept water easily and not dry out too quickly. There are various opinions on the ideal mix. The mix can be made by hand or purchased as β€œgermination mix”. Typically used are mixtures of perlite and peat moss in a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio.

With this kind of soil, wetting agents are often added to medium to help with watering, which is helpful to Kratom Seeds.

Pure peat moss can be used but can turn into a hard block if ever allowed to fully dry out!

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Germination Environment

A temperature/humidity controlled greenhouse environment is ideal. This offers more heat, higher low temperatures, and more consistent humidity. There is also less risk of predators, weed contamination and weather-related problems.

A simply constructed germination box made out of styrofoam with a plastic lid can be constructed cheaply and work well. It is ideal for the hobbyist. A simple warming device such as a light bulb can be utilized.

If not utilizing a greenhouse or germination box, provide your seeds with the warmest area possible with good humidity and away from direct, hot sunlight.

Humidity levels of 60 to 70% are ideal. Avoid overly damp locations or rot will develop.


Utilization Of Bottom Heat

This is a system of utilizing artificial heat below the community pot to accomplish or accelerate germination.

Commercial heating mats are available with thermostat controls.

Advantageous for most species. Speeds germination. Is not inexpensive to use.

Bottom heat requires a flat surface to function. It is best to shield loss of heat from the bottom of your mat. The distance from the seeds to bottom heat is critical. If too close it may overheat seeds.

For species from colder natural habitats, bottom heat may diminish germination rates and be totally unnecessary.

It will increases water requirements and/or frequency of misting.

A thermometer should be utilized to verify optimal medium temperature.