Teak is a tropical
tree that is grown for its high quality lumber but it is also grown as an
ornamental because it has large leaves and it gives a tropical appearance to
the landscape. It is a tall deciduous tree that typically grows to 150′ tall in
its native habitat, but to about 80′ in cultivation. It is native to India, Burma,
Southeast Asia, Malaysia, and Indonesia, but is now planted in tropical to
sub-tropical areas throughout the globe, not only for ornamental reasons but
also in plantations for commercial timber production. Timber from this tree is
an important tropical wood (at or near the top of the list of world hardwoods).
Teak trees feature: (a) trunks with scaly gray to gray-brown bark topped by an
open crown of spreading branches, (b) large, rough, leathery, ovate-elliptic,
green leaves (to 18-30″ long) which are covered by gray-green stellate
hairs, (c) fragrant, finely-pubescent, white flowers which bloom in summer
(June-August) in large terminal panicles to 16″ long, (d) globose, finely
pubescent fruits (to 2/3″ diameter) enclosed in egg-shaped calyxes which
mature from September to December, and (e) dark yellow trunk wood which turns
an attractive deep brown when exposed to sunlight and air. Teak wood is hard,
durable, fine-grained, resistant to decay if exposed to moisture and of
attractive deep brown color. Teak wood is used in a variety of ways, including
(a) for outdoor purposes, it is used in the manufacture of outdoor furniture,
boat building, doors and window frames, and (b) for indoor purposes, it is used
for flooring, fine furniture and veneer. Teak is the national tree of
Indonesia. Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-12 where it is best grown in acidic,
fertile, sandy, moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates a wide range
of soils. Established trees have good drought tolerance.
Growing
Instructions for Teak
The seeds need
to be planted when received or stored in a refrigerator until they are planted.
Teak prefers fertile, well-drained soil and full sun. It grows in a variety of
conditions but it does best in warm, tropical climates. It is grown in southern
Florida where it has short periods of cold temperatures. The seedlings need
shade. 1. Soak the seeds in warm water for 12 hours. 2. The seeds like moist,
well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand,
perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot. 3. Sow the seeds on the soil. 4.
Cover the seeds with a layer of that is 3/4of an inch thick. 5. Water the soil
so that it is moist but not wet. The seeds germinate in 2-4 weeks. 6. When the
seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.
Nicholas (verified owner) –
I would absolutely recommend this seed to anyone looking to grow veggies this year. I decided to do starts this year and just three days after planting
Leo (verified owner) –
They arrived very fresh and not bruised. They were delicious.
Avery (verified owner) –
Good quality.
Robert (verified owner) –
Great germination.
Nolan (verified owner) –
Great germination.