Teak (Tectona grandis) | seeds, 5 pcs.

• Latin name: Tectona grandis
• Danish names: Teaktræ
• English names: Teak, teakwood tree

Tectona grandis is the true teak tree – one of the world's best-known and most valuable tropical trees. The species is originally from South and Southeast Asia, especially India, Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos, where it grows in seasonal monsoon forests. Teak is famous for its extremely durable, oily wood, which has been used for centuries in shipbuilding, furniture, construction, and outdoor applications.

The tree is deciduous and develops very large, rough leaves, which can become impressively large on young plants. During the growing season, Tectona grandis forms upright flower clusters with small, light-colored flowers. Growth is rapid in warm and humid conditions, and even young plants take on a distinct, tropical appearance.

Cultivation and requirements

Tectona grandis thrives best in full sun and requires:

• nutrient-rich, well-drained soil
• warm summers and high light intensity
• even watering during the growing season

The species is not frost-tolerant. In Denmark, teak is grown as a potted plant that can stay outdoors during the summer months and be overwintered in a bright, frost-free location. The temperature should ideally be kept above 10–12 °C in winter.

During the cooler period, the plant will often lose its leaves – this is completely natural and part of its normal life cycle.

Cultivation from seed

Seeds of Tectona grandis are hard-shelled and can be slow to germinate. To increase the germination rate, the following is recommended:

• soaking the seeds in warm water for 24–48 hours
• sowing in an airy, well-drained soil mixture
• temperature of 25–30 °C
• keeping the soil evenly moist, but not wet

Germination can take from 2 weeks to several months, and uneven germination is normal. Young plants grow relatively quickly under good conditions but establish their root system before top growth truly takes off.

Utility and collector value

Tectona grandis is one of the world's most sought-after utility trees. The teak tree's natural oil content makes it extremely resistant to moisture, rot, and insects. When grown from seed in Denmark, however, the focus is primarily on botanical interest, collector value, and the impressive tropical foliage, rather than actual timber production.

As a plant, teak is an exciting long-term project – a tree with great cultural-historical significance, offering the opportunity to follow the development of a true classic right from the seed.

Tectona grandis is an obvious choice for the patient and curious plant enthusiast who wishes to grow an iconic tropical tree from scratch – with respect for both the species' biology and its long history.