It is grown in temperate and subtropical regions in the US, Europe, New Zealand, India, China, and Korea. It is found on a variety of soils with pHs of 4.6 to 8.2, but grows best in calcareous, well-drained loams. Trees do not tolerate water-logging. Treatment with concentrated sulfuric acid for 20-50 min is most effective. Seeds can also be nicked, soaked in boiling water for several minutes, or washed in aerated cold water for 2-3 days.
Trees sucker readily from roots and also graft easily.
Treatment with indole acetic acid improves rooting. The tree responds well to tissue culture and has been mass propagated by this method. Black locust grows rapidly, especially when young. Natural variation in numerous traits has often been observed and many cultivators described. Surles et al.