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Red Silk Cotton - 10" Grow bag

Red Silk Cotton - 10" Grow bag

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₹199
₹199 - ₹199
₹199
₹99
₹99 - ₹99
₹99

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  • Spectacular spring red flowers
  • Fast-growing large shade tree
  • Produces silky kapok cotton
  • Native and wildlife-friendly
  • Used in food and Ayurveda
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Country of origin: India

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Bombax ceiba (Red Silk Cotton or Semal) is a grand, fast-growing deciduous tree native to India and a striking sight in spring when its bare branches blaze with large, cup-shaped scarlet flowers. Reaching 20-40 m, the tall straight trunk often bears conical thorns when young. After flowering it produces pods filled with soft silky cotton (kapok) used for stuffing. The blossoms are rich in nectar, drawing birds, bees and squirrels, and are also used in regional cuisine and traditional medicine. A classic avenue, park and temple tree, Semal offers shade, spectacular seasonal colour and ecological value across the Indian plains.

Specifications

Family Malvaceae (Bombacaceae)
Native region Indian subcontinent and tropical Asia
Mature height 20-40 m
Mature spread 8-15 m
Growth rate Fast
Foliage Deciduous, palmately compound leaves
Flower colour Bright scarlet red
Flower season Late winter to spring (Feb-April)
Climate zone Tropical and subtropical

Care guide

Sunlight Full sun.
Watering Water young trees regularly; mature trees are drought-tolerant.
Soil / mix Deep, well-drained loamy or alluvial soil.
Temperature Thrives 20-45°C; tolerates heat well.
Humidity Adapts to dry and humid climates.
Fertilizer Apply compost or manure yearly; little feeding needed once established.
Pruning Minimal; remove dead or damaged branches only.
Repotting Plant directly in ground; not suited to long-term pots.
Propagation By seeds and cuttings.
Pests & problems Largely pest-resistant; occasional borers.
Toxicity / safety Non-toxic; parts used in food and medicine.
Difficulty Easy once established.

Uses

Grown as an avenue, park and shade tree; yields kapok cotton for stuffing, while flowers, calyx and roots are used in regional cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine.

Growing tips

Give it full sun and deep, well-drained soil with ample space, as it grows large and fast; water young saplings regularly through the first summers until the deep roots establish.

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Frequently asked questions

How often should I water a young Semal?
Water young trees regularly during the first two or three years, especially in summer. Mature trees are drought-tolerant and need little watering.
How much sunlight does it need?
It needs full sun to grow well and flower; it is not suited to shaded sites.
Is Semal safe around pets and people?
Yes, it is non-toxic; its flowers, calyx and roots are even used in regional cuisine and traditional medicine.
Can I grow it in a pot?
Only as a young sapling temporarily. It becomes a very large tree and must be planted in open ground with space.
How do I propagate it?
Propagate from seeds, which germinate readily, or from large branch cuttings planted in the ground.
When does it flower?
It blooms in late winter to spring, roughly February to April, on bare leafless branches.
What is the cotton from the pods used for?
The soft silky fibre, called kapok, is used for stuffing pillows, mattresses, cushions and life jackets.
How big does it get?
It is a large tree reaching 20-40 m tall with a wide spreading crown, so it needs a big, open location.
Does it have thorns?
Young trunks and branches often bear stout conical thorns, which usually disappear as the tree matures.
What fertilizer does it need?
Apply compost or well-rotted manure once a year when young; established trees need little or no feeding.

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