Flame Tree (Live Seedling)

$7.00

A small seedling sprouting from a grow sponge in a small food safe plastic container and mailed to your address. Seedling will survive at least 3 weeks in the mail. Tree produces strong wood in addition to Beautiful flowers

Color:

A small seedling sprouting from a grow sponge in a small food safe plastic container and mailed to your address. Seedling will survive at least 3 weeks in the mail. Tree produces strong wood in addition to Beautiful flowers

Growing a Flame Tree seedling—commonly known as the Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia)—is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a fast-growing, ornamental shade tree with stunning bright red-orange flowers. Native to Madagascar and popular in tropical/subtropical areas, this tree needs warmth, space, and sunlight.

Here’s a complete guide to help your Flame Tree seedling grow successfully:

🔥🌳 How to Grow a Flame Tree (Royal Poinciana) Seedling

1. Tree Overview

  • Botanical Name: Delonix regia

  • Common Names: Flame tree, royal poinciana, flamboyant tree

  • USDA Zones: 9–12

  • Height: 30–40 feet tall

  • Canopy Spread: 40–60 feet wide (umbrella-like shape)

  • Growth Rate: Fast-growing

  • Lifespan: 30–50+ years

2. Ideal Growing Conditions

☀️ Sunlight

  • Requires full sun — minimum 6–8 hours/day

  • More sun = more blooms

🌱 Soil

  • Well-draining sandy or loamy soil

  • Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.5)

  • Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained sites

🌡️ Temperature

  • Prefers warm temperatures (70–100°F / 21–38°C)

  • Frost sensitive: protect young trees from cold (below 40°F / 4°C)

3. Planting Instructions

📅 Best Time to Plant

  • Late spring to early summer after frost danger is over

🕳️ How to Plant

  1. Choose a large open space far from structures, septic tanks, or sidewalks (roots can be aggressive).

  2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and about the same depth.

  3. Set the seedling upright with the root collar at ground level.

  4. Backfill with native soil; avoid packing too tightly.

  5. Water deeply after planting.

  6. Apply mulch around the base (keep away from the trunk).

📏 Spacing

  • Plant at least 15–20 feet from other trees or buildings

4. Watering

  • Seedlings: Water 2–3 times/week to keep soil evenly moist (not soggy)

  • Established trees: Drought-tolerant; water during extended dry periods (every 7–10 days)

  • Do not overwater — roots dislike standing water

5. Fertilizing

  • Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or 15-9-12) 2–3 times during the growing season

  • Reduce feeding in late fall/winter

  • Enrich with compost in spring to boost flowering

6. Pruning

  • Time: Late winter or early spring

  • Why: Remove weak or crossing branches, shape the canopy, and promote strong structure

  • Start training early to avoid messy or low-spreading branches

7. Flowering & Fruiting

  • First bloom: Typically in 3–5 years

  • Flowers: Bright red-orange, large and showy, bloom in late spring to early summer

  • Seed pods: Long, flat, woody pods up to 2 feet long

8. Pests & Diseases

  • Generally pest-resistant, but watch for:

    • Caterpillars

    • Scales or mealybugs (treat with neem oil)

  • Disease issues: Root rot in poorly drained soil

9. Container Growing

  • Not ideal long-term due to size, but possible while young

  • Use a large pot with drainage holes

  • Move indoors or cover during cold snaps

  • Repot annually until planted in-ground

✅ Quick Tips

  • Needs full sun and warmth to thrive and flower

  • Water consistently when young; reduce as tree matures

  • Give it space—roots and canopy spread wide

  • Protect from frost when young

  • Add compost or mulch yearly to feed and insulate roots