Tun tree
Toona sinensis · Meliaceae
📷 Windmemories · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around tun tree and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Toona sinensis
- Family
- Meliaceae
- Form
- Tree
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- May to June
- Adult height
- Up to 6 m
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Moderate (resists down to around -5°C)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Toona sinensis needs space and rich, deep soil, regularly watered when young (3-4 years). Prune in mid-February to maintain a harmonious shape and boost growth.
The common mistake
Don't harvest edible young shoots in the first year—wait at least 3-4 years until the tree is well-established before starting to pick them.
The pro's trick
In May, apply a thick organic mulch to stabilize moisture and support growth in young trees.
Care
Exposure
Plant the Toona sinensis in full sun to promote vigorous growth and generous flowering. Shaded exposure would slow its development. Make sure to place it sheltered from strong winds, which can damage its delicate foliage.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist during the growing period (spring-summer), especially during the first two years after planting. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. Avoid waterlogging, which promotes fungal diseases.
Soil
Toona sinensis prefers fertile, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure at planting time. Soil that is too compact or poorly drained will compromise its health.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring to support growth. A single application is usually sufficient for established trees. In containers, light monthly feeding during the growing season is recommended.
Pruning
Prune lightly after flowering to remove dead or poorly oriented branches and shape the tree harmoniously. Avoid severe pruning which would weaken the tree. Regular pruning of young plants promotes better branching.
Diseases and pests
Toona sinensis is generally robust, but can suffer from root rot if there is excess moisture. Regularly inspect the foliage for spider mites or aphids. Maintain good hygiene and ensure good air circulation around the tree.
Did you know?
Toona sinensis is called 'Chinese mahogany' or 'Chinese pepper tree' because of its aromatic young shoots, traditionally consumed in Asian cuisine. In China for millennia, its leaves and young stems have been prized for their slightly peppery flavor. It is a major essence of Eastern culinary and medicinal culture, much less known in the West.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.