The Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) tropical tree grows to a height of 82 feet with a trunk diameter that often surpasses three feet. A member of the coffee family, the tree thrives in the jungles of Southeast Asia. Natives often chew the leaves or brew them into a potent tea. The naturally occurring alkaloids of the foliage boost energy and ease fatigue. For centuries, kratom has been used in religious ceremonies and to treat medical conditions or as a substitute for opium. With a renewed interest in the tree’s naturopathic properties, many people are wondering about kratom seeds – are they easy to germinate and grow?

Where Kratom Seeds Grow

The jungles of SE Asia are a thriving mecca of plant life and statuesque trees that provide a lush canopy for vegetation for animal habitats. However, kratom stands out from other area fauna due to its production of two crucial alkaloids. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Both of the naturally occurring alkaloids have the power to interact with the brain’s opioid receptors. They produce either a feeling of sedation or energy depending on the dose. In high doses, the users typically feel sleepy but in lower doses they experience alertness.

The History of Kratom

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Kratom Seed Pods

Throughout history, naturopathic doctors have used kratom to treat pain, overcome opioid withdrawal symptoms, and for other health perks. Nowadays, the tree’s foliage is still chewed or brewed into tea by locals, especially during festivities or holidays.

In addition, to the popularity of kratom remaining in its SE Asian native home, the foliage of the tree has also become a valuable crop spurring many locals to plant kratom seeds and embark on widescale tree farms. Exportation of the cured and ground foliage has become lucrative in the region.

The Viability of Kratom Seeds

Kratom seeds are stored within the confines of a cylindrical seedpod. Each seedpod has hundreds (even thousands) of tiny seeds that can rapidly dry out rendering them unviable.

In order to cultivate the seeds of the tree, you must first extract the seeds from the pod. The seeds are only viable for a few days after falling from the tree. Once they lose their freshness, they will no longer germinate. Sadly, kratom seeds are so fragile that you would have to fly to SE Asia, gather fresh seeds, and quickly return to your country of origin to plant the seeds before they lose their freshness.

You’ll encounter many vendors and private citizens selling kratom seeds on a variety of websites, but the viability of the seeds is in serious question. In most cases, they will probably not germinate, and you will have wasted your money.

Germinating Kratom Seeds

Kratom trees grow remarkably well in their native homeland. The seeds fall from the tree in their spiky seedpods and the seeds quickly take root in the nutrient-rich soil. The seedlings thrive in hot and humid temperatures where the soil is rich in humus and has a pH level of 5.5 to 6.5.

If you live in a region such as Florida or Louisiana, then you can germinate and grow kratom seeds (provided you obtain fresh seeds).

Kratom trees grow best in a planting location that drains well and does not have standing water. Typically, the tree does not enjoy lovely let root. In muddy conditions, the seeds will not germinate and will quickly rot. Even if germination does occur, excessive water causes fungal infections and insect infestations which can quickly kill the kratom tree.

Starting Kratom Seeds Indoor

If you do not live in a tropical paradise, then you’ll encounter problems starting kratom seeds outdoors. In such situations, you might want to try to grow the tree indoors where you can control its exposure to light, humidity, and temperature.

Lighting Needs

In the jungle, the kratom tree might sound like it’s tall at a height of 82 feet but it’s actually one of the sub-canopy trees so excessive light exposure might cause kratom seed germination failure. The kratom tree and its seedlings are used to dapple sunlight so start your kratom seeds using a High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) grow light which will mimic the outdoor light needs of the tree. With a grow light, you can control the tree’s light exposure.

Humidity Considerations

Humidity is integral to seed germination and seedling survival. On the island of Sumatra in Indonesia where the kratom tree thrives, the humidity hovers between 72 to 74 percent. In Myanmar, the humidity can vary dramatically throughout the year. Without a doubt, humidity does impact the levels of alkaloids in the tree’s leaves.

Starting Kratom Seeds

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Kratom seedlings.

  • Plant five to 10 seeds per pot.
  • Fill the pot with nutrient-rich soil high in nitrogen and humus
  • Keep the soil moist and ensure that the pot has good drainage.
  • Never let the soil dry out but do not keep it overly waterlogged as you wait for the seeds to germinate.
  • Place the pot with the seeds in a south-facing window or under a heat lamp.
  • Keep the temperature from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place the start pot, potting soil, and kratom seed in a plastic bag to encourage humidity if you live in an area where the humidity is low.
  • Fertilize the kratom seedling if you are lucky though that the kratom seed germinates. Kratom seedlings are heavy feeders and enjoy adequate water.

Remember, the hardest part of growing kratom seeds is just getting them to germinate. If the seed actually starts to sprout, then growing the tree is going to become a breeze.

Avoiding Kratom Seeds

If you are serious about wanting to grow a kratom tree then you might want to avoid planting kratom seeds Yes, it’s true, in nature the kratom tree reproduces by naturally spreading its seeds, but the tree’s native homeland is far away, and the seeds are fickle. Even in nature, researchers have found that only about 20 percent of the kratom tree’s seeds actually germinate in the jungle’s soil and go on to become a tree.

With no access to fresh seeds, your chances of germinating and growing a kratom seedling are poor. Commercially available kratom seeds rarely germinate. They have a dismal success rate of less than 5 percent so you will probably want to avoid wasting money on the seeds because you’ll more than likely end up disappointed.

Purchasing Kratom Clones

Getting Your Hands on Kratom Seeds

Planting Kratom Clones

If you want to grow a kratom tree, then buying a kratom clone might prove your best option. In fact, kratom clones have a 100 percent success rate of going on to become an actual tree if you take proper care of the seedling. You’ll find kratom clones online. Always look for a reputable retailer before making the purchase.

With the right growth conditioned, a kratom tree grows rapidly by as much as 20 feet in two years. Always avoid harvesting the tree’s leaves until the tree is at least two years old or you risk weakening the tree.

Kratom trees are wonderfully ornamental but, in some areas, they are illegal to grow so always check your local laws and regulations.

If you would like to learn more about kratom, please contact My Kratom Club today.