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Use this complete guide to watch jacarandas bloom
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The jacaranda ( Jacaranda mimosifolia ) is a large tree native to Brazil and commonly grows throughout the southern United States, Australia, and other warm, humid climates. While growing a tree in your backyard may seem intimidating, jacarandas are a beginner-friendly option. We'll explain everything you need to know to cultivate a beautiful, blooming tree, from propagating and planting to how to care for your tree and deal with pests and other common issues.
Planting Jacaranda Trees
Plant an established jacaranda or seedling in a spacious area that receives 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. Opt for rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6-7.5 to prevent rot. Water the tree weekly during the summer and once a month during the winter. Expect a jacaranda to bloom in 7 to 14 years—but it's worth the wait!
Steps
Section 1 of 6:
Sowing or Propagating Jacarandas
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Sow a jacaranda seed to grow a tree from scratch. Whether you purchased or harvested seeds from an established jacaranda, take a dry seed and soak it in water for 24 hours. This will help speed up the germination process. [1] X Research source Afterward, place the seed on a bed of potting soil in a container. Cover the seed with thin, well-draining soil and keep it moist. Wait 2 to 8 weeks for seeds to sprout. [2] X Research source
- Wait 8 months before transplanting the seedling outside or into a larger container. [3] X Research source
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Take a cutting from an established tree to propagate jacaranda. If you know a friend or relative with a jacaranda tree, ask for a cutting of their tree. Use a pair of sterilized, sharp shears and select a healthy brand with at least three buds. Cut a 15 in (38 cm) segment at an angle just above a leaf node to encourage growth. Place the jacaranda cutting in water so only the bottom is submerged. Roots take 2 to 3 weeks to appear when left in a warm area with indirect sunlight. [4] X Research source
- Spring is the ideal time of year for propagation.
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Use an established seedling or tree to get blooms sooner. If you live in a temperate or warm climate, get a jacaranda seedling from a local plant nursery or major retailer. [5] X Research source
- Jacaranda trees grow best in zone 10 on the hardiness scale. However, they can also survive in cooler areas—even regions with light frosts. [6] X Research source
- You may find jacaranda seedlings around the base of mature trees. If you can safely and legally dig up a seedling, you can transplant it into a container to grow your own. [7] X Research source
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Section 2 of 6:
Planting a Jacaranda Tree
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Select a spacious outdoor area with direct sunlight for 6 to 8 hours. Jacarandas can grow 25 to 50 ft (7.6 to 15.2 m) tall and 15 to 30 ft (4.6 to 9.1 m) wide. [8] X Research source Plant them in an area that receives direct sunlight for most of the year. [9] X Research source Plant the tree at least 15 ft (4.6 m) away from any nearby buildings, and avoid planting seedlings in the shade of other, larger trees.
- If you plant the jacaranda in a crowded space (e.g., under a patio or between narrow walls), it will not grow to its full size and may wither and become unhealthy.
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Use rich, well-draining soil to provide the tree with nutrients. Jacaranda roots will suffer if they're not well-drained and require fertile, rich soil to provide them with plenty of nutrients. [10] X Research source Opt for sandy soil with a slightly acidic pH level (6-7.5). [11] X Research source However, you can also use well-draining clay or loam soils .
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Add 1 c (240 mL) of water if the soil is dry. Jacarandas only require water when the top 3 to 4 in (7.6 to 10.2 cm) of the soil feels dry. Use your finger to inspect the soil. If it feels dry, pour a cup of water into the soil. If the soil is already moist, wait 7 to 9 days before checking it again. [13] X Research source
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Section 3 of 6:
How to Care for a Jacaranda Tree
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Water the tree once a week in the summer and once a month in the winter. Healthy jacaranda trees grow quickly but will wilt and possibly die without sufficient water. Use your finger to test the soil—if the top 3 to 4 in (7.6 to 10.2 cm) of soil feels dry, it's time to water it. Soak the soil until it is moist at a depth of 15 to 20 in (38 to 51 cm). Generally, you'll want to water the tree once a week in the spring, summer, and fall. [14] X Research source
- During the cooler winter months when the tree is dormant, water it once a month.
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Feed the jacaranda twice a year with a well-balanced fertilizer. Adding fertilizer to your tree is a great way to increase its resistance to injury from diseases and insects. [16] X Research source Jacarandas prefer organic fertilizers containing either composted manure, bone meal, or blood meal. Use a fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-20-10 to promote sturdy, deep root systems. For mature trees, use an N-P-K ratio of 12-10-10 for leaf development and energy production. [17] X Research source
- For young trees, use 1 lb (450 g) of fertilizer per 1 inch (2.5 cm) of trunk diameter twice a year during the spring or late summer.
- For mature trees, use 1.5 lb (680 g) per 1 inch (2.5 cm) of trunk diameter twice a year during early spring and mid-summer.
- N-P-K stands for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). [18] X Research source
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Avoid pruning and allow the branches to grow on their own. The branches of a jacaranda tree grow vertically and expand outward in all directions. Let the branches grow on their own; if you trim shoots or prune branches, you may permanently stunt the tree's growth. Whenever a jacaranda branch is pruned, it sends out vertical shoots, and so continual pruning will lead to an unnaturally tall and misshapen tree. [19] X Research source
- A jacaranda will grow into a roughly umbrella-shaped tree if left undisturbed.
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Rake the jacaranda's dropped flowers regularly to avoid odors. While a jacaranda’s brightly-colored flowers are beautiful, they have a pungent and foul smell when they start to decompose. They can also produce slime on your sidewalk and yards. So, to avoid a mess, rake up the flowers regularly. [20] X Research source
- Avoid planting a jacaranda tree in a position where its branches will arch over a swimming pool. When the flowers fall in autumn, they will blanket the surface of the pool and can clog the water filter. [21] X Research source
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Community Q&A
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QuestionIs 16-16-16 a good fertilizer for a jacaranda tree? If its leaves turn yellow in the spring, is it due to too much or too little water?NinoxTop AnswererIf the leaves turn yellow in the spring, it is likely too much water. You can add sand to the dirt to avoid this problem. 16-16-16 can be used for jacaranda, but the best is organic fertilizer.
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QuestionHow long does it take a jacaranda tree to bloom?Community AnswerMine started blooming a few blooms during its 3rd or 4th year, but only a few blooms in the May/June time frame. But I bought mine from a nursery, and it might have been a grafted tree. If grown from seed, they will slower to bloom than one that has been grafted. Mine was grown in zone 9b, in full sun.
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QuestionCan jacaranda trees survive as potted plants?Community AnswerThese trees are routinely grown as desktop bonsai trees that bloom. With proper pruning and care, they will bloom in pots. Just make sure the container is large enough if you want to grow it normally (not bonsai).
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Tips
- If you grow a jacaranda from seeds, be aware that the tree will take longer to flower. The eventual flowers will also vary more in color than the flowers from a tree bought as a seedling. [37] X Research sourceThanks
- In general, jacaranda trees planted from cuttings will take between 5 and 7 years to begin flowering. [38] X Research sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://greg.app/propagate-jacaranda/
- ↑ https://lawn.com.au/how-to-grow-a-jacaranda-tree/
- ↑ https://lawn.com.au/how-to-grow-a-jacaranda-tree/
- ↑ https://greg.app/propagate-jacaranda/
- ↑ https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/flowering-plants-shrubs/jacarandas-trees/
- ↑ https://www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/jacaranda-tree.html
- ↑ https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/flowering-plants-shrubs/jacarandas-trees/
- ↑ https://www.fast-growing-trees.com/jacaranda-tree.htm
- ↑ https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/flowering-plants-shrubs/jacarandas-trees/
- ↑ https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/flowering-plants-shrubs/jacarandas-trees/
- ↑ https://forestry.com/guides/how-to-fertilize-a-jacaranda-tree/
- ↑ https://greg.app/jacaranda-soil/
- ↑ https://greg.app/plant-care/jacaranda-mimosifolia-jacaranda
- ↑ https://greg.app/how-often-to-water-jacaranda/
- ↑ https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/flowering-plants-shrubs/jacarandas-trees/
- ↑ https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/tree-plant-care/plant-care-resources/fertilizing/
- ↑ https://forestry.com/guides/how-to-fertilize-a-jacaranda-tree/
- ↑ https://www.pennington.com/all-products/fertilizer/resources/understanding-fertilizer-labels
- ↑ https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/flowering-plants-shrubs/jacarandas-trees/
- ↑ http://www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/jacaranda-tree.html
- ↑ https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/flowering-plants-shrubs/jacarandas-trees/
- ↑ https://forestry.com/guides/how-to-fertilize-a-jacaranda-tree/
- ↑ https://greg.app/jacaranda-problems/
- ↑ https://landscape-water-conservation.extension.org/practices-to-improve-drainage/
- ↑ https://greg.app/brown-spots-on-jacaranda-leaves/
- ↑ https://forestry.com/guides/how-to-fertilize-a-jacaranda-tree/
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/news/jacaranda-trees-blooming/
- ↑ https://forestry.com/guides/how-to-fertilize-a-jacaranda-tree/
- ↑ https://forestry.com/guides/how-to-fertilize-a-jacaranda-tree/
- ↑ https://www.epicgardening.com/earth-day-trees/
- ↑ https://8billiontrees.com/trees/jacaranda-tree/
- ↑ https://www.embracegardening.com/different-types-of-jacaranda-trees/
- ↑ https://8billiontrees.com/trees/jacaranda-tree/
- ↑ https://8billiontrees.com/trees/jacaranda-tree/
- ↑ ​​ https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/jacaranda/growing-guide
- ↑ https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/jacaranda/potted-jacaranda-trees.htm
- ↑ https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/flowering-plants-shrubs/jacarandas-trees/
- ↑ http://www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/jacaranda-tree.html
About This Article
Article Summary
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To grow a jacaranda tree, you’ll need a seedling, soil mix, and a sunny spot with plenty of room to grow. You can usually find jacarandas at your local nursery. Alternatively, large retailers like Walmart or Home Depot often sell jacarandas. You'll also want to find a clear spot of land that is at least 15 feet away from other trees, since jacarandas grow quite tall. After planting your jacaranda, surround it with some rich soil mixture to help it grow. Then, water it about once a week in the summer months and once a month in the winter months. To learn how to maintain your new jacaranda tree, read more from our Gardening co-author!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I just purchased a Yellow Jacaranda tree for my mother's memorial tree. It was her favorite Florida tree. I know nothing about planting trees, so this was a huge help. Thank you so much!" ..." more
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"I just purchased a Yellow Jacaranda tree for my mother's memorial tree. It was her favorite Florida tree. I know nothing about planting trees, so this was a huge help. Thank you so much!"
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"Thank you. This gives us confidence to plant one in our resort property. Jacarandas are an awe-inspiring sight in spring at the edge of tea gardens here!"
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"This answered my queries regarding how to transplant my 3, 4" jacaranda seedlings. Was leery and fearful I might kill them! Thanks for the helpful info!"
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