Care in the first three years

For its first three years, a young gulmohar needs water in dry spells, a weed-free basin, protection from grazing and frost, and some early pruning to build a strong crown.

Monsoon (Jul–Sep): in year 1, plant, shape the basin and fix the guard. Weed the basin two or three times during the rains in years 1 and 2.

Post-monsoon (Oct–Nov): lay dry leaves or straw as mulch (roughly 8–10 cm is our rule of thumb), kept off the stem.

Winter (Dec–Feb): ICFRE notes that gulmohar is unsuited to places with heavy frost. In frost-prone areas such as the north-west and the northern plains, cover the sapling with jute or a straw hood on nights when IMD warns of frost or a cold wave, in its first two winters (practical guidance).

Spring (Mar–Apr): leaf fall is normal. ICRAF says that in India the tree stays leafless from about March to May, with new leaves in May or June; Plants of Rajasthan records leaf fall in March and new leaves in June.

Summer (Apr–Jun): the hardest season in hot, dry regions. As a rough starting point, water about every 3–4 days in year 1, about weekly in year 2, and in year 3 only in long hot spells, always checking the soil first.

Pruning: ICRAF describes the wood as weak and says careful pruning gives a good crown. In years 2 and 3, remove low, crossing or narrow-angled branches (practical guidance), and do not cut the top off the tree.

Pests and diseases: ICRAF records termites, shoot borers, caterpillars that can strip the leaves, and Ganoderma root rot, especially in high-rainfall areas. If you see wilting, bored shoots, mud tunnels of termites on the trunk or a bracket fungus at the base, take clear photos or a sample to your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or forest department, and do not spray anything without their advice.