Description
Frankincense seedlings (from Boswellia species) are grown from seeds by providing warmth, excellent drainage, and bright light, using a gritty soil mix like cactus soil with sand or perlite, keeping it moist but not soggy, and ensuring temperatures above 70°F (20°C) for germination, which can take weeks to months. They need full sun, well-draining pots (often started in containers due to dormancy/cold sensitivity), and careful watering, allowing soil to dry between waterings as they grow, often developing a tuber and losing aerial parts in winter.
Germination & Seed Starting (Early Spring Recommended)
- Soak Seeds: Soak seeds overnight in water with a drop of hydrogen peroxide to prevent fungi.
- Prepare Mix: Use a fast-draining mix (cactus soil/seed mix + sand/perlite) in pots with drainage holes.
- Sow: Plant seeds on the surface and lightly cover with sand or pumice.
- Warmth & Moisture: Cover with plastic, place on a heat mat (90-95°F ideal), and keep consistently moist.
- Remove Plastic: Once sprouted (1-3 months), remove plastic and move to bright light.
Seedling Care (First Year)
- Light: Full sun or strong grow lights.
- Water: Water when soil surface is dry; allow to dry slightly between waterings.
- Fertilizer: Mild liquid cactus fertilizer (e.g., 2-7-7) every 1-2 weeks in growing season.
- Soil/Potting: Use well-draining soil (cactus mix) and pot up as needed, keeping good drainage.
- Dormancy: Seedlings develop tubers and may die back to the tuber in winter; don’t discard them.
Transplanting Outdoors (Warm Climates)
- Wait until nighttime temperatures are consistently above 40-50°F (4-10°C) and acclimatize gradually to full sun.
- Final location should be sunny with well-draining, slightly alkaline soil, potentially needing protection from harsh afternoon sun.
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