A beautiful tropical tree called the jacaranda has fragrant purple panicle-shaped flowers and branches that arch to make a canopy that looks like an upside-down umbrella. In a tropical setting, the jacaranda tree grows quickly, adding about 10 feet to its height each year in its first few years. It grows at different rates depending on where it is grown. When it’s not in a tropical environment, it grows more slowly. Hawaii, Florida, Southern California, and parts of Texas are some of the happiest places in the United States for jacaranda trees. They grow amazingly easily there because the weather is always warm and sunny. The tree also requires consistent moisture year-round in slightly acidic soil.
The jacaranda tree, with its gracefully arching branches and lovely lavender-blue flowers, makes a fabulous addition to warm climate gardens. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, jacarandas can reach towering heights of 40-50 feet at maturity. If you live in USDA zones 9-11, you can try growing these beauties from seeds.
Choosing Jacaranda Varieties
There are around 50 species of jacaranda trees, but the most popular is the Jacaranda mimosifolia with its vibrant purple-blue blooms. Other recommended varieties include:
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Jacaranda obtusifolia – Hardier, with lighter blue flowers.
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Jacaranda acutifolia – Called the ‘blue jacaranda’, has deeper blue blooms.
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Jacaranda caucana – Smaller tree with fern-like foliage
Gathering Fresh Jacaranda Seeds
Jacaranda seeds are flat, round pods that appear after flowering To collect
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Wait until pods turn brown with seeds inside.
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Clip off seed pods directly into a paper bag.
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Air dry pods for 1-2 weeks until they split open.
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Shake out seeds and discard pods.
Preparing Seeds for Germination
Before planting, jacaranda seeds need some pre-treatment:
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Soak seeds in room temperature water for 12-24 hours.
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Remove any floating seeds that are not viable.
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Make a cut in the outer seed coat of the swollen seeds. This scarifies the seed to aid germination.
Planting Jacaranda Seeds
Now you’re ready to sow the seeds:
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Fill seedling flats or small pots with well-draining potting mix.
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Bury seeds 1/4 inch deep in the soil mix.
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Water thoroughly after planting and cover pots with plastic to retain moisture.
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Place pots in bright indirect light and maintain temperature around 70°F.
Caring for Jacaranda Seedlings
It takes 14-21 days for jacaranda seeds to sprout. Once they do:
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Remove plastic coverings. Keep soil moist but not soaked.
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Thin seedlings to leave the strongest 2 per pot.
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Transplant into 3-4 inch pots once first true leaves appear.
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Fertilize monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer.
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Grow on for 8+ months until seedlings are 8-12 inches tall.
Transplanting Jacaranda Trees
Jacaranda trees need full sun and well-drained soil. To transplant:
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Select a spot with plenty of space for growth.
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Dig a hole 2-3 times the pot width and depth.
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Carefully remove from pot and loosen circled roots.
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Place in hole, backfill with soil and water deeply.
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Stake for support if needed until established.
Ongoing Jacaranda Tree Care
To keep your jacaranda thriving:
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Water young trees regularly until roots expand.
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Prune selectively to shape, or to remove dead branches.
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Apply mulch around base to conserve soil moisture.
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Protect from frost damage when young.
With proper seed starting techniques and care, you’ll be rewarded with the majestic beauty of lush green jacaranda trees covered in colorful flowers. It’s a tropical touch well worth the wait!
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Aphids and scale insects can attack the jacaranda tree, and the glassy-winged sharpshooter can also get into its leaves. You can manage all of these pests with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. If grown indoors, jacarandas can attract aphids and whiteflies.
Jacaranda trees don’t usually get diseases, but insects like the sharpshooter that carry the bacteria Xylella fastidiosa can cause bacterial leaf scorch in trees. The bacteria block the tree from getting the water it needs. To prolong the trees life, water it frequently. However, there is no cure for the disease, so ultimately, the tree will not likely survive.
Trees that do not have properly draining soil can develop mushroom root rot. A pervasive fungus causes this disease and has no real cure other than removing the dying plant. To confirm this disease, look for an area of the bark that appears to have blackened and died. Upon peeling back the dead bark, youll notice a white fungal growth.
Soil
Jacaranda trees will do best in well-draining, moderately sandy soil with a slightly acidic pH level. It can also grow in clay and loamy soils, but it shouldn’t be planted in any mixture that is heavy, wet, or doesn’t drain well. Water-logged soil can lead to an increased risk of root rot and mushroom root rot.
How to Grow Jacaranda Trees From Seed ( 2 Methods)
FAQ
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