Annatto Tree Seeds – Lipstick Plant | 100 Seeds | Bixa orellana

The Annatto Tree — known as the Lipstick Plant — is one of nature's most striking tropical specimens. With lush evergreen foliage, delicate pink and white flowers, and vivid red spiky fruits used for centuries as a natural dye and spice, this tree is as useful as it is beautiful. Best of all, it thrives in containers, making it accessible even for gardeners outside tropical climates.

Growing Details

• Common Name: Annatto Tree, Lipstick Plant
• Scientific Name: Bixa orellana
• Foliage: Evergreen
• Flowers: Pink & White
• Fruit: Red, spiky — used for natural dye & seasoning
• Bloom Time: Late Summer – Early Winter
• Hardiness Zone: 9–11 (container-friendly in cooler zones)
• Mature Height: 15–25 feet
• Plant Spacing: 10–20 feet
• Light Requirements: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil & Water: Average, well-draining
• Sowing: Outdoors after last frost / Indoors weeks before last frost

Why Gardeners Love the Annatto Tree

• 🌺 Stunning ornamental appeal — evergreen leaves, pink blooms, and red fruit year-round
• 🎨 Natural dye & spice source — the red seeds are used in cooking and cosmetics worldwide
• 🪴 Container-friendly — grows beautifully in pots for non-tropical climates
• 🌿 Low maintenance — adapts to average soil and partial shade
• 🌍 Tropical heritage — a living piece of Central and South American botanical history

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow the Annatto Tree outside of tropical climates?
Yes! The Annatto Tree grows very well in large containers, which allows you to bring it indoors during cold months. It thrives in hardiness zones 9–11 outdoors, but container growing extends its range significantly.

What is the Annatto Tree used for?
The red seeds inside the spiky fruit are used as a natural food dye (annatto coloring), a spice in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine, and historically as body paint and cosmetics — hence the nickname "Lipstick Plant."

When should I plant Annatto Tree seeds?
Sow outdoors after the last frost date, or start indoors several weeks before the last frost for a head start. Seeds germinate best in warm, moist conditions.

How tall does the Annatto Tree grow?
In the ground, it can reach 15–25 feet. In containers, growth is naturally limited, making it a manageable and beautiful patio or indoor specimen.

How many seeds are included?
Each packet contains 100 Annatto Tree seeds — plenty for multiple planting attempts and sharing with fellow gardeners.

Pros and cons

• Edible
• Attracts pollinators