LWS Pink Fairy Duster Tree (Calliandra enophylla) Exotic 10 Seeds USPS Shipping
Germination
The blossoms of fairy dusters produce flat seed pods. To grow fairy dusters from seed,
follow these steps:
You have to soak fairy duster seeds to soften their thick hull in order for them to germinate. Boil a kettle of water, wait for the water to cool slightly (just below boiling), then pour the water into a bowl with the seeds.
Soak the seeds for 24 hours or until the seeds become plump. Keep the seeds moist until you're ready to sow them.
Sow the seeds in well-draining, sandy soil about 1/4 inch deep.
Keep the seeds in a warm area with filtered light. Temperatures should stay above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Moisten the soil, then allow it to dry out. Keep it dry for a day, then water again. Repeat this process.
Germination should happen in four to six weeks. Once seedlings appear, move them to a sunny area and water them when the soil dries out.
Once the seedlings are several inches tall and have healthy, mature foliage, move them to a sunny, well-draining area in the garden planted three to four feet apart.
Overwintering
When grown in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 11, not much additional care is required to overwinter the fairy duster. Cut back on watering, giving water every month or two during the cold season. The
fairy duster might lose its leaves during times of very cold temperatures, but new leaves should grow in the spring.
How to Get Calliandra eriophylla to Bloom
Fairy duster blooms are best known for their long, colorful stamens which give the flower a feathery appearance. They bloom in an array of pink shades, measure about two inches in length; they are not fragrant.
Typically, these feathery blooms appear every year from late winter into late spring but can appear sporadically in the summer or fall. For the most abundant display, be sure to plant them in a location that receives full sun, six to eight hours per day. Though they can live in partial shade, they will not flower as abundantly.
Common Problems With Calliandra eriophylla
The fairy duster is a very hardy desert plant and often thrives on neglect. But even very hardy plants can sometimes run into problems.