How to Grow Siberian Pea Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Siberian pea tree is a plant that is native to Siberia. It is a deciduous tree that can grow to be about 30 feet tall. The leaves of the siberian pea tree are about 3-5 inches long and are compound leaves with 9-11 leaflets. The flowers of the siberian pea tree are yellow and they blooms in the spring. The fruit of the siberian pea tree is a pea-like pod that is about 2-3 inches long and contains 1-2 seeds. The siberian pea tree is used as a ornamental plant in gardens.

How to Grow Siberian Pea Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Caragana
  • Siberian pea shrub
  • Caragana arborescens
  • Caragana jubata
  • Caragana suecii

Common Knowledge

  • The Siberian pea tree is a species of legume native to Siberia and parts of China.
  • It is a deciduous tree that can grow to a height of 20–30 m (66–98 ft).
  • The leaves are pinnate, with 9–17 oval-shaped leaflets.
  • The tree is dioecious, with male and female flowers borne on separate trees.
  • The flowers are small and yellowish-white, and are borne in racemes.
  • The fruit is a pod, which contains several small, hard seeds.
  • The tree is cultivated for its seeds, which are used as a food source and for their oil, which is used in cosmetics and as a lubricant.
  • The Siberian pea tree is also grown as an ornamental plant.
  • It is tolerant of cold temperatures and can withstand harsh winters.
  • The Siberian pea tree is susceptible to several diseases and pests, including powdery mildew, rust, and aphids.

How to Grow

  1. For siberian pea tree, first step is to find a good location. They grow best in full sun, but can tolerate partial sun.
  2. The second step is to prepare the soil. They prefer well-drained, sandy or loamy soil.
  3. Third step is to sow the seed. You can direct sow in late spring or early summer.
  4. Fourth step is to thin the seedlings. Once they have 2-3 leaves, thin them so that they are about 2 feet apart.
  5. Fifth step is to water regularly. They are drought tolerant, but will produce more flowers and pods if given regular water.
  6. Sixth step is to fertilize monthly. Use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-
  7. Seventh step is to prune in late winter or early spring. This will encourage new growth and more flowers.
  8. Eighth step is to harvest the pods in summer. They are edible and can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried.
  9. Ninth step is to overwinter the plants. They are hardy to zone 3 and can tolerate some frost.
  10. Tenth step is to enjoy your siberian pea tree!

Related plant:
Siberian Elm

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the siberian pea tree prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate some drought. It is not particular about soil pH, but it does best in sandy or loamy soils. This tree is considered somewhat weedy or invasive in some areas, so it is best to check with your local cooperative extension office before planting.

Light condition

Just like other plants, the Siberian pea tree needs sunlight to grow. However, this tree is more tolerant to shade than most. It can grow in areas with as little as two hours of sunlight per day. This makes it a great choice for gardens that are mostly shaded.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the growth of the Siberian pea tree is warm weather. This tree does well in full sun and can tolerate some shade. The Siberian pea tree is a hardy tree and can withstand some cold weather, but it will not do well in freezing temperatures.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-70%. During the winter, the Siberian pea tree can tolerate lower humidity levels, but it is still important to provide some humidity, such as by using a humidifier. If the air is too dry, the leaves may become crisp and drop off the plant.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this type of plant does not require too much attention when it comes to feeding. A good all-purpose fertilizer will work just fine. You can also go for a slow-release fertilizer to make things easier. When it comes to watering, the Siberian pea tree is quite drought-tolerant. However, it’s still best to water regularly during the growing season. The roots of this plant are quite deep, so make sure the soil is well-drained to avoid any problems.

About light

Pruning is an important part of caring for a Siberian pea tree. Pruning helps to encourage new growth and maintain the desired shape of the tree. It is best to prune in the early spring, before new growth begins. To prune, simply remove any dead or damaged branches. You can also trim back any branches that are growing too close to the trunk of the tree.

About Propagating

Propagation of the Siberian pea tree is best done by seed. The seeds should be sown in late spring or early summer in a well-drained seed germination mix. The mix should be kept moist but not wet and the temperature should be around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Seedlings will emerge in 7-21 days. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots. The Siberian pea tree can also be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 13 and 24 inches per year. However, trees have been known to grow as much as 36 inches in a single year. The siberian pea tree is a hardy tree that can withstand cold winters and hot summers.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, canker, and black spot. These can be controlled by fungicides, but it is best to avoid them by planting the tree in well-drained soil and providing adequate air circulation.

Basics of Growing

  • If you are growing your siberian pea tree outdoors, choose a location that receives full sun.
  • Siberian pea trees need well-drained soil. If your soil is clay-based, mix in some sand or organic matter to improve drainage.
  • Siberian pea trees are drought tolerant, but they will produce more flowers and peas if they are watered regularly.
  • Fertilize your siberian pea tree in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  • To encourage more flowering, pinch back the tips of the branches in early summer.
  • Harvest the peas when they are plump and bright green.
  • To prevent your siberian pea tree from self-seeding, remove the spent flower heads before they drop their seeds.
  • Siberian pea trees can be susceptible to aphids and other pests. Check your plants regularly and treat with an insecticide if necessary.

Alternative Plants

  • caragana
  • caragana arborescens
  • caragana bracteata
  • caragana chastegarica
  • caragana chinensis
  • caragana dahurica
  • caragana densa
  • caragana fehu
  • caragana frutex
  • caragana gerardii

Source:
Plant of the Week: Siberian Elm
SIBERIAN PEASHRUB - CARAGANA ARBORESCENS | The …
SIBERIAN ELM - ULMUS PUMILA | The UFOR Nursery & Lab

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