Question
Hello,
i live in Michigan. My parents have a beautiful Catalpa tree that produces many 'beans'. my daughter picked several today in hopes of growing a tree.
Right now it is the end of July, is it to soon to soak these beans and get them to swell and then plant?  or rather is it to late?

please advise - we like planting and growing to better our environment.
thank you , Dean Genereaux

Answer
Hi Dean,
Thanx for your question.  I wouldn't start the seeds this late in the season.  Save the seeds in a dry container and store in a cool dark place.  Start the seeds in the spring.

I have a large, old catalpa growing across the alley from my house and the babies come up readily in the spring.  Some sources say the seed requires some cold stratification, others say it doesn't.  To be on the safe side, plant the seeds under 1 inch of soil in moist, not soggy potting soil and seal the pot inside a plastic bag.  Leave it in the fridge for 6-8 weeks or leave outside for 6-8 weeks during extended temps below 40 F.  The seeds will germinate in the spring if left outdoors or a few weeks after you bring the pot out of the fridge and subject it to 70-75 F temps.  Prick seedlings out after they have a couple sets of true leaves and pot in separate pots.  Grow out until they are about a foot tall and then plant in the desired, full sun, location.  I hope this helps.

Tom