How to Plant Coral Bean
The coral bean (Erythrina herbacea) is a flowering tree that grows in USDA Hardiness Zones 7B through 10B. The tree is grown for ornamental purposes and is known for its pink or red early spring blooms. Coral bean trees are capable of growing without a lot of water, and attract local wildlife such as birds and butterflies. Sprout and plant your own coral bean seeds at home to add this ornamental tree to your backyard landscape. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Fill a pot with several inches of water and place it on your stove. Bring the water to a boil. Remove the pot from the stove.
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2
Drop the coral bean seeds into the water and soak for 30 minutes. Scarifying is the process of weakening a seed's outer core. The hot water will weaken the coral beans' exterior enough to allow it to germinate and sprout.
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3
Prepare the seedling tray while you wait for the coral beans to soak. The tray should be at least 6 inches deep. Fill the tray with potting soil. If you do not have a seedling tray, a standard garden pot will also work.
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4
Remove the soaking coral bean seeds from the water when the scarifying time is up. Sink the seeds into the seedling tray. Bury each seed 1-inch deep and 4 inches apart.
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5
Water the soil. Sprinkle with water until the soil is damp to the touch. Keep the seedling tray moist until the seeds germinate, which typically takes up to 14 days.
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6
Prepare the outdoor growing area while waiting for the seeds to germinate. Coral beans grow best in well-drained soil that receives at least partial sun, though full sun is preferred for best growing results. Use a shovel to break apart the ground into loose clumps. Some gardeners amend the soil with standard garden fertilizer, though this is not necessary as coral beans are very hardy.
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7
Transplant the coral bean plants to their permanent outdoor location when the seedlings have grown two pairs of leaves. Use a hand shovel and scoop up the seedling and the soil around it. Plant outdoors in the area you prepared in Step 6. Water once daily.
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Tips & Warnings
Start germinating the coral bean seeds as soon as the outdoor soil begins to thaw so that the tree has sufficient time to establish itself before the next winter.
Coral bean seeds are toxic if consumed.
