Judas Tree – 5 Seeds

Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum), is a small deciduous perennial woody tree reaching 6 – 10m with a spreading, multi-stemmed habit. The tree is native to Southern Europe and Western Asia. The tree typically starts to flower around 5 years of age. It is known for its vibrant magenta-pink, pea-like blossoms that appear in Spring before the leaves emerge, a unique trait called cauliflory where blossoms grow directly on old wood such as bare branches and the main trunk. The distinctive heart-shaped green leaves emerge after the striking pea-like pink flowers bloom.

Common Names: Judas tree, love tree, and Mediterranean redbud.

Growing Judas Tree

Indoor Sowing: Cold Stratification, then sow in Late Winter

Direct Sowing: Autumn.

• Indoor sowing should be done in late winter, after the seeds have been cold stratified first.
• Direct sowing can be done in Autumn, with germination taking place in Spring.
• Pre-treat seeds by soaking them in warm water for 24 to 48 hours.
• For direct sowing, plant seeds about 5mm deep in a protected, well-draining spot.
• For Indoor sowing, mix soaked seeds in moist perlite or a paper towel, seal in a bag, and place in the refrigerator at 3°C to 5°C for 2 to 3 months of cold stratification.
• Sow the stratified seeds into pots or seed trays with well-draining compost at an 0.3cm to 0.6cm depth.
• Optimum germination temperatures around 18°C–21°C.