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Everything You Need to Know About Kratom Seeds | Kratom Monkey

Have you ever considered growing your own kratom? If so, you probably have questions about kratom seeds. In theory, cultivating kratom yourself will reduce costs in the long term. But how do you acquire the seeds and is it even possible to grow kratom in U.S. climates?

I will answer those questions and more in this extensive guide to kratom seeds. As a Mitragyna speciosa enthusiast, I am knowledgeable about growing kratom trees and the challenges you may encounter.

But I will tell you now: you can grow kratom in the U.S. if you are determined enough! Let’s start by familiarizing ourselves with the herb before discussing where you can buy kratom seeds. 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in our articles are represented solely as the opinions of the respective authors, who do not claim to be medical professionals. We are not medical experts, just kratom enthusiasts.

An Introduction to Kratom

Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) trees are famous for their leaves, which generate mitragynine and other indole alkaloids. The herb is part of the Rubiaceae family of plants (i.e., the coffee family) and is native to Southeast Asia, with most kratom coming from Indonesia.

The herb grows most successfully in hot, humid climates, hence why the tropical areas of Southeast Asia are so suitable. While this limits your kratom growing options in the U.S., some environments in Florida and the Gulf Coast are conducive to cultivating kratom.

People consume kratom products for various reasons, including recreation. White vein kratom generally has an energizing effect, whereas red vein strains are more associated with enhanced mood, euphoria, and peace in the mind and body. 

Where to Buy Kratom Seeds

You can purchase kratom seeds in the United States, but acquiring them may be tricky. You are unlikely to find seeds at your local kratom store, although you should have more luck buying online. This may be your preferred method of shopping, anyway.

Follow the same procedure that you would when shopping for kratom products. Look for brands with a solid reputation, good user reviews, and a helpful customer service team. The seeds should come from Southeast Asia and be traceable to the source.

Instead of purchasing kratom seeds, you could make things easier by buying live kratom plants. Many stores that stock seeds will make this option available to you. 

How to Grow Kratom

Let’s assume you have gone down the seed route. Whether you purchased in the United States or brought them back from Southeast Asia, once you have the seeds, you are pretty much ready to go.

Before attempting to grow kratom, check there are no legal issues in your area. Kratom is banned in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. But it is also illegal in various counties, cities, and towns of other states. Familiarize yourself with U.S. kratom law here. 

Environmental Factors

Temperature, humidity, light, and soil conditions are all crucial environmental factors to consider when germinating kratom seeds. Aim for the following to achieve the best results.

Temperature: Kratom seeds require a sweet spot temperature of between 75℉ to 85℉ for optimum germination. Too low, and the seeds might sprout slowly or not at all. Too hot, and the seeds may dry out, which would also negatively impact germination.

Humidity: High humidity and moist conditions are vital for kratom seed germination - Mitragyna speciosa grows in the jungle, after all! Maintain a humidity level of between 70 to 90% during germination. Poor humidity could cause the seeds to rot or dry out.

Light: Kratom seeds do not require light to germinate. I recommend keeping them in pitch-black darkness or a heavily shaded environment when germinating. Indeed, exposing seeds to light during this phase can have an adverse effect.

Soil Conditions: A porous soil mix with good drainage is essential for kratom seed germination. A nutrient-rich soil mix is a must. I suggest using two parts coco coir, one part perlite, and one part organic garden soil.

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and with a pH of between 5.5 and 7.5 for best germination results. You can buy testing strips to check the soil’s pH level.

The ideal environment may vary slightly depending on the kratom strain you are attempting to grow. Consider researching whether your strain has any specific germination requirements before starting out. 

Cultivation Techniques

There are various techniques for germinating kratom seeds, each with pros and cons. Let’s learn more about direct sowing, pre-germination, and indoor germination.

Direct sowing: This method involves sowing the seeds in the soil where you intend for them to grow to completion. Prepare an area with well-drained, nutrient-rich soil, creating small dips to plant the seeds in. Lightly cover the seeds with a layer of topsoil. Keep the soil moist, the temperature warm, and the conditions humid. If all is well, the seeds will germinate, and roots will sprout into the soil.

Direct sowing is the easiest technique but has the lowest success rate due to the changing environmental conditions. There are likely only a few places in the United States where this could work.

Pre-germination: With this method, you germinate the kratom seeds in a controlled environment before moving them to their final growing spot. Wrap the kratom seeds in a damp cloth and store them in a container. Place the container in a dark and warm environment - my preference is a seeding tray. Check for signs of germination, and transfer to a planting pot or the growing location once the seeds have sprouted.

The pre-germination method enhances the chances of sprouting but requires extreme care when handling the germinated seeds. Perhaps one to avoid if you are a little clumsy!

Indoor germination: If you have a greenhouse or similar controlled indoor environment, you could attempt the indoor germination method. The extra environmental control can increase your chances of sprouting success. You can germinate kratom seeds indoors with pots, seeding trays, or hydroponic systems. The equipment used is less important than ensuring the environmental factors are spot on.

However, indoor germination is more expensive than the other methods. The investment and effort required put many people off growing kratom this way.

How to Overcome Challenges When Growing Kratom Trees

Nobody ever said growing kratom was easy, especially in the United States. While you might be able to obtain the seeds, getting them to grow into tall, strong trees with large, alkaloid-rich leaves is much more challenging.

Low Seed Viability

I find the low seed viability the most frustrating aspect of growing kratom. Mitragyna speciosa seeds grow in pod heads, and while each of these pod heads produces around 50 seeds, they are notorious for having a poor germination rate.

Fresh kratom seeds are usually more viable than older seeds. But since they come from Southeast Asia, it is tough to get hold of super-fresh seeds in the United States. Therefore, you must start the germination process as soon as you acquire them.  

Slow Germination

Slow germination can make growing kratom an extremely drawn-out process. It can take weeks or even months to see results, yet you must still show the seeds love and care even when nothing is happening. Growing kratom is for the most patient of gardeners. 

Disease Susceptibility

Getting the environmental factors correct is only half the battle. Unfortunately, these plants are very susceptible to disease. Damping-off is an issue, where the seedlings rot at the base and collapse. Fungal infections can also wreak havoc by causing plant-destroying seed rot.

You must keep the growing environment clean, use sterile soil, and ensure good air circulation. Overwatering is another no-no that increases the risk of infection. If you find disease a common problem when growing kratom, you may have to use fungicides. 

Why Genetic Variability Matters

Genetic variability is crucial when it comes to kratom seed propagation. Kratom plants with diverse genetics are associated with genetic adaptation, higher yields, and disease resistance. Let’s examine each factor more closely. 

Genetic Adaptation

Genetic variability allows kratom plants to thrive in varying environmental conditions. This is especially welcome if you don’t have tight control over your growing environment.

While Southeast Asia accounts for nearly all kratom cultivation, conditions still vary within the region. Propagating seeds from a varied range of plants can help improve adaptability in different growing conditions.

Maximizing Yield and Kratom Quality

Genetic variability may also enhance the alkaloid potency of kratom leaves while increasing the total yield. By propagating seeds from kratom plants with high alkaloid levels, the cultivated offspring are more likely to have a high alkaloid content, too.

Disease Resistance

Building disease resistance is vital, given how susceptible kratom plants are. A single disease could wipe out all your kratom plants if they don’t have genetic variability. This matters even more since the United States is not kratom’s native growing environment.

Some kratom plants have more resistance to pests and diseases than others. Sourcing genetically diverse kratom seeds with disease resistance can help you cultivate a more sustainable crop. And it will reduce the risk of having to use pesticides, fungicides, or other chemicals you would rather avoid. 

Final Thoughts

Growing kratom in the United States is possible, albeit difficult. Finding the ideal environment is crucial and challenging in itself, and even that does not guarantee success.

But for kratom aficionados who have always been curious about growing their own, the means are there to do so, and it could be a fascinating project!

Apr 13th 2023 Andrew Summer

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