Authored by Jaipi Sixbear in Gardening 
Published on 10-11-2009

Learning to grow a catalpa tree appeals especially to fisherman. The catalpa tree is home to a species of caterpillar that make excellent fish bait. Other reasons for learning to grow a catalpa tree are the beautiful flowers it produces, the shade it provides, or as a source of soft wood.

The catalpa tree is also known as a catawba tree, fish bait tree or cigar tree. The catalpa tree has large heart shaped leaves. Catalpa tree seed pods are long and tubular. The flower of the catalpa tree is white with purple and yellow splotches. The catalpa tree has leaned how to grow on it’s own quite well.

The catalpa tree spreads rapidly. It grows a catalpa tree baby by dropping seeds. Unfortunately there is no way to control where the catalpa seeds will drop. It may be wise to learn how to grow a catalpa tree as a seedling.

You can learn to grow a catalpa tree from dropped seeds. Keep seed pods picked up so trees don’t grow randomly. Those that sprout should be removed immediately. This keeps the lawn under the catalpa tree green for shaded seating.

Online greenhouses sell catalpa tree seeds. Seedlings can be grown quite easily from these. Catalpa seeds don’t grow well indoors. They can be sown directly outdoors. Loosen a three foot round space. Supplement soil with a high nitrogen fertilizer. Plant two to three seeds together, four inches deep.

This is the easy way to grow a catalpa tree. When the seeds sprout, remove all but the healthiest in the group. If you intend to transplant the catalpa seedling to another location, wait at least two years. For this reason, it’s sometimes best grow a catalpa tree exactly where you want it.

When growing a catalpa tree to give away or sell, use a five gallon bucket. Grow a catalpa tree in a bucket for less stress when moved or transplanted. Punch several holes in the bucket for drainage. Provide proper transplanting instructions when gifting a catalpa tree.

To plant a catalpa seedling, choose a suitable location. Catalpa trees need good drainage. Avoid planting in low lying areas. Dig a loosened circle of soil about 6 feet in diameter. Supplement the soil with high nitrate fertilizer. Dig a center hole about a foot deep. Set the seedling in the hole.

Fill the hole with dirt. Tamp the soil in with the foot. Tap two stakes into the ground at the edge of the circle. Stabilize the catalpa tree with string tied to the two stakes and around the tree. Water the catalpa tree well and frequently in order to give it a strong root system.

The catalpa tree is a beautiful soft wood flowering shade tree. It can be used to supply fisherman with bait. Growing a catalpa tree is easy. Maintenance is required to keep the lawn underneath healthy and free of tree sprouts. Plant in a well drained location, use high nitrogen fertilizer and water well for optimum growth. Happy growing!