Paulownia trees exhibit rapid growth, reaching maturity and producing timber within 6 to 10 years.
Their growth is particularly notable during the summer months, with some varieties reaching 6 meters (20 feet) or more in a single growing season.
Indeed, it is a TREE THAT PAYS BACK IN THREE MAJOR WAYS!
A significant portion of their initial growth is focused on developing a strong root system, which can then support rapid growth of their stem and trunk.
Our Flagship Paulownia Variety:
Kiri Shan Tong
A Shan Tong is a versatile hybrid known for strong early growth, straight stems, and good tolerance to heat and wind. At EVF Paulownia, we focus on how to grow these trees well in Kenya’s tropical zones and the nursery steps that increase survival rates.
- Type: Hybrid — P. Shatong
- Mature height: 20–25 m (managed timber stands)
- Best zones: Low to mid altitude tropical zones in Kenya
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy loam or loam with organic matter
Propagation Notes
Based on our four-year trials, we developed a Best Practice Manual for growing Paulownia trees.
It all starts with sourcing the right stem cuttings from a trusted mother stock provider. In our case, it was a long learning curve. Fortunately, our customers and partners do not have to go through all the guesswork because EVF Paulownia has done the heavy lifting.
Root cuttings also work well where available.
Below is a short checklist.
- Source: Healthy mother trees from a certified propagator (e.g., EVF Paulownia in Wote, Kenya).
- Cutting size: 15–25 cm stem sections with 2–4 nodes if using stem cuttings.
- Handling: Keep moist in shaded cool boxes in transit; process within 24 hours.
- Optional: Short IBA dip (0.2%) for bases to boost root initiation.
Container & Mix
Use coarse sand + topsoil + mature compost (40:40:20) for early root development.
Start in 0.3L tubes, then move to 2L bags once the plant has 4–5 true leaves.
Watering:
Light every morning; avoid standing water. Move to drip or bucket watering for field beds.
Growth & Yield Metrics
1st year height
3–5 m (with good care)
Rotation for timber
6–8 years (short rotations under management)
Carbon potential
High per ha due to rapid growth; suitable for carbon projects when measured.
Primary Uses of Paulownia Trees
Most farmers depend on maize, beans, coffee, tea, or fruits. These crops need heavy inputs, face price drops, and require constant work. Paulownia grows once, keeps rising in value, and needs far less labor after year one. Many farmers make more with fewer costs.
WHY PAULOWNIA? Three-in-One Powerhouse!
1. 💰 PROFIT: Investment That Grows Itself
- Fastest Growing Hardwood: Ready for harvest in 3-5 years!
- High-Value Timber: Lightweight, durable wood for furniture, construction, instruments.
- Animal Fodder: Protein-rich leaves provide excellent animal feed.
- Biofuel Potential: Wood and leaves can be processed for clean energy.
2. 🌍 PLANET: Land Healing, Carbon Capturing
- Restores Degraded Land: Deep roots heal soil, prevent erosion, and boost fertility.
- Massive Carbon Sink: Absorbs 10x more CO₂ than most trees, producing abundant O₂.
- Water Efficient: Thrives with less water, making it ideal for arid regions.
- Biodiversity Booster: Creates microclimates, reviving the land with life.
3. 👨👩👧👦 PEOPLE: Growth That Feeds Families
- Shade-Grown Food: Canopy allows vegetables to thrive underneath, increasing farm yield.
- Stable Income: Multiple revenue streams from timber, feed, and carbon credits.
- Sustainable Livelihoods: Empowers farmers with a resilient, long-term cash crop.
- Training & Skills: Learn sustainable farming practices.
Paulownia and Lumber Conversations Around the World
- Botanic Gardens Conservation International “State of the World’s Trees”
- Ash: White Ash, plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/cs_fram2.pd Redwood: “Coast Redwood: University of Redlands
- Red Cedar: “The History and Origins of Western Red Cedar Lumber.” West Bay Forest Products – Your WesternRed Cedar Experts, West Bay Forest Products – Your Western Red Cedar Experts, 21 Aug. 2023, www.westbayforestproducts.com/wblog/the-history-and-origins-of-western-red-cedar-lumber
- Empress: Bergmann et al. Potential of Paulownia Elongata Trees.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275574289_Potential_of_Paulownia_elongata_trees_for_swine_waste_utilization, Ostrom Climate Commissioned Report
- Veneers Global: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/veneer-sheets-market
- Marine: LeisureBoat Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (New Leisure Boat,Used Leisure Boat), By Product (Motorized, Non-Motorized), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 – 2030.
- Cabinets: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/united-states-kitchen-cabinets-market-103300386.html
- Furniture: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/furniture-market
- Board Sports: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/global-board-sports-market-expected-124300170.html
- Instruments: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/musical-instrument-market-108706
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2019-08-07/this-tree-efficiently-captures-carbon-video
- https://www.superpowers4good.com/p/world-tree-to-receive-super-crowd
Ordering & Partnerships
Ready to Grow Your Future? Learn More & Invest Today
- For nursery setup support, seedling supply, or technical training, reach out through the following form.
- EVF Paulownia offers outgrower programs, county projects, CSR tree programs, and carbon-linked ventures.
- If you want to join our wider work, write us a short message using the form shown below or Call
- Victor, Founder of EVF Paulownia (+254)798386137
- Japheth Katumo, Founder of La Piantina Seedling Raisers, (+254)720105385