Seed sources are listed annually in Leucaena Research Reports, or can be obtained from this address. Keep seeds dry in a tightly-closed plastic bag or jar, and they will last for years, longer if refrigerated. Seeds do not germinate well unless they are scarified by scratching or cracking the tough, water-impervious seed coat. Leucaena is a legume, and bacterial inoculation is necessary for good modulation and growth. Use of soil from areas where leucaena is already growing often suffices.
Most tropical soils contain appropriate bacteria, but preliminary tests are advised.
At this stage, the seedlings are extremely susceptible to weed competition. Transplanting of nursery-grown stock will typically give higher survival rates than direct seeding because the seedlings have a head start in terms of competition. However, raising seedlings requires extra labour in the nursery and in transplanting. Good weeding is necessary if leucaena is direct seeded. After the small seedling stage, growth is more rapid, and trees can effectively compete with weeds.