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How to Grow Ylang Ylang From Seed

The Ylang Ylang, or Cananga odorata, is a tropical tree that originates from Indonesia and Malaysia. Growers cultivate it commercially for its flowers, which have a highly fragrant scent. Landscapers also use the Ylang Ylang as an ornamental, although it may require pruning to prevent it from reaching its full height of more than 60 feet. The Ylang Ylang grows quickly in its native habitat and requires little care once it's established.

Ensure your climate is warm enough for a Ylang Ylang tree. This tree is hardy only in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9b and above, meaning the plant cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. The Ylang Ylang tree also requires a minimum of 30 inches of rainfall per year.

Select a planting site. A Ylang Ylang tree can tolerate a variety of soil types, so long as it drains freely. The soil pH should be between 4.5 and 8.0, meaning this tree can grow in all but the most acid and alkaline soils.

Obtain Ylang Ylang seeds from the raw fruit. Wash the seeds to remove the flesh. Allow the seeds to dry. Place the seeds in an airtight container along with a packaged dessicant, such as those that come with leather goods. Seal the container, and allow the seeds to dry for six months to a year.

  • Ensure your climate is warm enough for a Ylang Ylang tree.
  • A Ylang Ylang tree can tolerate a variety of soil types, so long as it drains freely.

Fill small planters with a light potting medium. Plant the seeds about 1 inch into the medium, and saturate them with water once per week. The seedlings should be ready to plant outside in about two months, when they reach heights of 8 to 12 inches.

Clear your selected site of weeds, and shovel out a hole that's twice as wide as the seedling's root ball and at least as deep. Loosen the soil to a depth of 20 inches if the soil is compact. Plant the seedling and fill the hole with soil. Saturate the seedling with water once a week during its growing season. The Ylang Ylang tree should thoroughly establish its root system in the first year.

  • Fill small planters with a light potting medium.
  • Plant the seedling and fill the hole with soil.

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