10 Seeds Bixa orellana (Lipstick Tree) True Red Seeds

Native to tropical Americas, the Lipstick Tree is renowned for its vibrant clusters of pink blossoms and striking, spiny red seed pods that burst open to reveal vivid orange-red seeds. These medium-sized trees make an eye-catching ornamental addition to warm-climate gardens, conservatories, or large containers, drawing admiration for their unusual beauty and year-round interest. Grown from seed, Bixa orellana develops glossy, heart-shaped foliage and can bloom within 1-2 years under ideal conditions, offering a unique tropical statement plant.
Grow as an ornamental centerpiece or for crafting natural dyes from the seeds; the harvested seeds have a rich, earthy color used traditionally for textiles and body art, not for consumption. This plant thrives in warm, frost-free settings and benefits from consistent moisture; when grown indoors or in cooler zones, keep in a bright, sheltered spot or greenhouse during winter. Use well-draining soil enriched with organic matter and provide partial shade in extreme heat. It can be pruned to maintain a bushy shrub or allowed to develop a single-trunked tree habit. Please note germination requires warmth and patience, with seeds best soaked before sowing.
Species: Bixa orellana
Type: Tropical Tree/Shrub
Plant Habit: Upright, branching
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Moist, Well-draining, Fertile
Zones: 9-11
Germination: Scarify and soak 24 hours, sow at 75-85°F, may take 3-6 weeks
Sowing: Surface sow on moist medium, light helps germination, keep in warmth
Spacing: 3-4 feet apart
Notes: Handles container culture; protect from frost