Golden Rain Tree Seeds

Golden Rain Tree Seeds

(Koelreuteria paniculata)

Koelreuteria paniculata, commonly known as the Golden Rain Tree, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to China, Korea, and Japan. It is admired for its adaptability, ornamental beauty, and tolerance to various growing conditions, making it a popular choice for urban landscapes and gardens. The tree typically reaches a height of 30 to 40 feet, with a rounded or spreading crown that provides a pleasing canopy shape. Its compound leaves emerge with a pinkish tint in spring, mature to bright green in summer, and turn golden yellow in autumn, offering multi-season interest.

One of the most striking features of the golden rain tree is its summer display of bright yellow flowers, which form large, showy panicles. These flowers often appear in mid to late summer, a time when few other trees are in bloom, creating a striking contrast against the green foliage. After flowering, the tree produces unique papery seed pods shaped like inflated lanterns, ranging in color from green to a rosy brown as they mature. These pods persist into autumn, adding to the ornamental value and giving the tree visual interest even after its flowers have faded.

Golden Rain tree is valued for its adaptability to a wide range of soil types, including poor, compacted, or dry soils, and it tolerates heat, drought, and air pollution. It thrives in full sun and generally has a moderate growth rate, making it suitable for streetscapes, parks, and home gardens alike. While it is a low-maintenance species, it can self-seed readily, and in some regions, it has been noted as mildly invasive. Despite this, its ornamental beauty, resilience, and year-round interest have made it a beloved ornamental tree in many temperate climates.

Zones: 5 to 8

Germination Range: 60-80%

Stratification Requirement: Hot water treat seed to scarify hard seed coat (or mechanical scarification) then 70-90 days cold stratification.

Planting Instructions:

To plant Koelreuteria paniculata, commonly known as the Golden Rain tree, start by preparing the seeds through scarification, as their hard outer shell can make germination slow. Lightly nick the seed coat with a file or rub it gently with sandpaper, being careful not to damage the inner seed. After scarifying, soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours to help soften the coat and speed up germination. After soaking, place the seeds in a moist medium such as seed-starting mix. Place the seeds and mix in a zip-lock bag in your fridge for 70-90 days. 

Once the seeds are prepared, choose a planting container or seed tray filled with a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of peat, sand, and perlite. Plant each seed about half an inch deep, covering it lightly with soil. Water gently to moisten the soil without washing the seed out of place. Keep the container in a warm, bright location, ideally with temperatures around 70–75°F, as warmth will encourage faster germination.

Maintain even moisture during germination, but avoid waterlogging, as excess water can cause the seeds to rot. Germination may take several weeks, so patience is essential. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots to allow for more root growth. When they are strong enough and all danger of frost has passed, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions before planting them in their permanent location in full sun with well-draining soil.