Banyan Fig {Ficus benghalensis) Sacred Tree | Medicinal | Edible | 50+ seeds Free U.S. Shipping!

 

Ficus Benghalensis, also known as banyan tree, is a notable tree 

from the area around India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It is a member 

of the fig family. One of the largest trees on earth in terms of 

overall size, it has long been valued as a shade tree. Indoors, it is 

commonly grown as a bonsai plant. The banyan tree was traditionally a 

place for travelers and merchants to rest and sell goods. These merchants, 

called banias, eventually gave way to the name banyan. The banyan tree 

can reach up to 100 feet in height and stretch several acres in width. 

The trees can live long lives, forming huge winding trunks and sprouting 

aerial shoots. It is considered sacred in India and Pakistan because its 

ever-extending branches symbolize eternal life. The banyan tree also 

appears in a number of other spiritual and mythological contexts and can 

be found growing around the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Although 

it is a tropical tree, ficus benghalensis is easy to grow indoors all year 

round and should do fine in your window. Outdoors it is drought-resistant 

but frost tender. However, it can bounce back after mild frosts.

 

Growing Information: These seeds are dormant, so germination will be stubborn 

and irregular by nature. Soak the seeds for 24 hours, then place in the fridge 

for 1-2 months. The seeds should be scattered on the surface of your potting mixture.  

Keep them damp and provide filtered sunlight at about 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The seeds need light to germinate, so do not cover them. Seeds may take more than 

one season to germinate.