Teakwood, Sagwan Seeds

Teak, Tectona grandis, is a large tropical tree native from India through parts of mainland Southeast Asia. It is best known as the botanical source of teak timber, while its broad leaves, pale flowers and rounded fruits also make it an impressive specimen for warm-climate tree collections.

Also known as: Teak, Sagwan, Sagon, Segun, Thekku, Teku, Shaka, Jati, Mai sak and Kyun.

Seed-grown trees are suitable for botanical collections, forestry trials and spacious tropical landscapes; they are not appropriate for small indoor spaces. No timber yield, growth rate or named provenance is guaranteed.

Choose a warm, bright position. Teak is a strong light-demanding tropical species that prefers fertile, well-drained soil and temperatures above about 22 C. Protect young plants from cold and waterlogging. Mature dimensions can be substantial, so confirm that the intended site has adequate long-term room.

Teak fruits have natural dormancy and benefit from pretreatment. A useful method is an alternating wet-and-dry treatment: wet the seed, then dry it, repeating the cycle about every 12 hours for approximately two weeks. Sow in a clean, free-draining mixture such as sand with coir, keep warm, and maintain steady but not saturated moisture. Germination can be uneven and the overall rate may be low, so retain labelled pots for several weeks and avoid disturbing them prematurely.

After emergence, give seedlings bright filtered light at first, then increase sun gradually. Transplant carefully once roots hold the medium together.

You will receive seeds only; no plant, wood product or growing container is included.