How to Grow Flowering Dogwood Trees from Seed
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Home Family -> subcategory Gardening.
How to Grow Flowering Dogwood Trees from Seed
Growing Flowering Dogwood trees from seed is an exciting endeavor, though it often results in Cornus Florida, the White Flowering Dogwood. Whether you collect seeds from a White or Pink Dogwood, expect most seedlings to be white. If you're aiming for a Pink Dogwood, Red Dogwood, or any variety with unique leaves, grafting or budding onto a White Dogwood seedling is the reliable method. More on budding can be found [here](http://www.freeplants.com/budding_fruit_trees_and_ornamental_plants.htm).
Collecting Seeds
Dogwood trees start producing seeds once their flowers shed petals. This process spans the summer, and by late summer, the seeds turn red, indicating maturity. It's crucial not to harvest them prematurely, as immature seeds won't be viable. Once seeds begin to fall naturally, they are ready to be collected.
Pick the seeds directly from the tree to prevent wildlife from snatching them. If they don't detach easily, give them another week or two. Allow the seeds to sit for a week until the pulp softens. Then, soak them in a water bucket. Squeeze the seeds to separate them from the pulp. Slowly overflow the bucket with water; viable seeds will sink, and pulp will float away. Once cleaned, spread the seeds on a table to dry, and store them in a cool, dry place.
Preparing Seeds for Germination
Dogwood seeds have a hard outer coating that requires pretreatment or stratification to promote germination. This process softens the coating to allow water and oxygen to penetrate. Here are a couple of simple techniques:
1. Calendar Method:
- Decide on a planting date in spring (e.g., May 15 for northern climates).
- Count 210 days back from this date to begin stratification, typically around October 15.
- Place seeds in a plastic bag with moist peat moss or a peat and sand mixture. Ensure the bag is punctured for airflow.
- Store at room temperature for 105 days, then refrigerate for another 105 days (avoid freezing).
2. Immediate Planting Method:
- Right after cleaning, nick each seed with a knife and plant them in the fall.
- Cover the seed bed with a screen to protect from animals.
For both methods, monitor the seeds weekly. If mold develops, use a fungicide. As germination begins, plan to plant outdoors just after the last frost. If some seeds germinate early, start them indoors in a flat with ample sunlight.
Planting the Seeds
When planting, scatter the contents of your storage bag over the soil, covering them lightly with about 1/4 inch of soil. Water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out before watering again, ensuring good drainage to prevent rot.
Experimentation and Other Varieties
The best method can vary based on many factors, so it's advisable to try both techniques to see which suits you best. Planting immediately in the fall allows nature to take its course, but doing a combination can hedge against poor outcomes.
Additionally, you can grow Chinese Dogwood (Cornus Kousa) from seed using the same methods. This variety blooms later than most ornamentals (around late June) with cream-colored flowers that appear mint green against dark foliage.
By following these tips and experimenting with different approaches, you'll be well on your way to growing beautiful Dogwood trees from seed. Enjoy the journey!
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: How to Grow Flowering Dogwood Trees from Seed.
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