Description
Annatto (Bixa orellana), the Lipstick Tree, is the source of natural achiote colouring. Pink blooms are followed by spiky crimson pods that split open to reveal brick-red seeds – crush them for a warm orange food dye, or leave the pods on the tree for months of ornamental colour. Grows as a 3-5 m tropical shrub or a handsome container plant.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Why gardeners choose it
- Grow your own natural achiote and annatto colouring
- Showy pink flowers plus long-lasting red seed pods
- Glossy evergreen foliage year round
- Excellent patio container specimen in cooler climates
Growing guide
- Prepare: soak seed 24 hours in warm water
- Sow: 1 cm (1/2 in) deep in rich, free-draining mix
- Germination: 14-30 days at 24-30 C (75-85 F)
- Light: full sun to light shade, steady warmth and moisture
- Hardiness: USDA zones 10-11 outdoors; overwinter indoors elsewhere
Germination-tested seed, packed fresh and shipped worldwide from Seeds Grow In.
