How to Grow

From seed

Propagation: Soak the capsule in water to soften so it can be broken open to reveal the seed.

Sow the black seed as soon as it is collected and cover with about 5 mm of seed raising mix.

The seedlings germinate quickly and are frost tender when young.

From seedling

Titoki prefer a well drained soil.

Therefore if you are planting in heavy clay then the tree will benefit from a deep layer of mulch to keep the roots cool and moist during dry conditions.
When selecting your planting site, consider the location of underground services or obstructions that might get in the way as the tree grows.
Once you have chosen the planting site, dig a hole approximately 1/3 larger than the container.
Carefully remove the tree from the container, being careful not to disturb or damage the root mass, and position the plant in the hole.
Back fill the hole with a mixture of the original soil and a slow release fertilizer and then compact the soil around the tree.

It is also a good idea to place some mulch around the base of the tree as it grows.
The tree should be protected from strong winds with a garden stake until the tree is well established.
Water the tree immediately after planting and continue to water regularly as it establishes itself.
Watch and enjoy your Titoki tree grow!

From Plant

The Titoki will grow to 4-8m but responds well to trimming and shaping and in suitable conditions will grow approx 300-500 mm per year.

As another rough guide you would expect a Titoki to be about 5m high after 10 years.

Collect seed

Titoki flowers in the spring and fruit is ready a year later.

The glossy black seed is enclosed within a bright red fleshy coat inside a woody capsule.

In collecting seed off the ground look for all three forms – capsule, black seed and fleshy coat.

The bright red fleshy coat is an indication that the seed is mature.

Seeds appear from November to February.

Clean off as much of the red flesh as practicable (it's usually quite easy to pick off by hand) and sow the seeds straight away in a free-draining seed-raising mix.

They'll probably take a couple of months to germinate, depending on your conditions.

If cold, they may not do much until spring.