It can be a bit tough to get the seeds to germinate,try these 6 steps. 1 Rub the surface of the Sapindus mukorossi seed with fine-grit sandpaper to weaken its coat. Soak the seed in warm water for 24 hours. Keep the water warm by boiling it, allowing it to sit for about five minutes and then putting it, with the seed, into a thermos. Seal the thermos. 2 Select an area with dappled sunlight or partial shade in which to grow your Chinese soapberry seedling. This plant prefers warm climates. 3 Fill a large pot with potting or germinating soil and bury the Sapindus mukorossi seed down to about 1 inch. It's best to plant this tree in spring or summer. Use one pot per plant. 4 Keep the soil of the Chinese soapberry moist, but not waterlogged. Check for soil moisture down to about 2 inches by sticking your finger into the planting medium. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. Standing water may lead to fungal rot. 5 Transfer the seedling to well-drained ground soil – preferably clay-like loamy soil – after about three months. The soapberry isn't choosy about soil acidity. Choose a spot with full sun exposure. Gently remove the soapberry's root ball from the pot. Dig a hole deep enough for the root system and twice as wide, carefully spreading out the roots of the plant with your fingers. Mix the seedling's potting soil with the natural soil and “water-in” the plant, saturating the planting hole to reduce air pockets. 6 Apply a balanced, general-use fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions upon transplanting your Chinese soapberry. Continue watering as usual. Things You Will Need * Sapindus mukorossi seed * Fine-grit sandpaper * Thermos * Large pot * Potting or germinating soil * General-use fertilizer
