Clean seeds can be stored in air-tight containers at room temperature for years with little loss of viability. Germination is complete within 7-20 days and germination percentage typically exceeds 70 percent. In the nursery, seed may be sown in containers, or nursery beds and trays and transplanted to containers after germination. Polybags 10 x 15 cm are widely used in Bangladesh for raising seedlings. Seedling growth is favored by loose soil, sufficient soil moisture, full sunlight, and absence of weeds.
Root pruning and hardening off the seedlings before outplanting is beneficial.
Containerized seedlings generally have better survival than direct-sown seedlings, particularly under heavy weed competition. For fuelwood, the recommended spacing is 1 x 1 in to 1 x 3 in, with the first harvest in 5-7 years. In hedges for alley cropping or shelterbeits, spacing between plants within rows should be 25-50 cm. In the field, weed control is essential during the first 1-2 years. The first weeding should be 2 months after plantation establishment, or depending on the intensity of the weed growth.