How to Plant Sumac Seeds

Sumac is a deciduous shrub that is an aggressive grower and hardy all the way to USDA zone 3. The sumac is often used as an ornamental plant in areas that have poor soil conditions that cannot support other shrubs. It has a few interesting uses. Native Americans added it to tobacco and smoked it; the bark, leaves and fruit can be made into dye; and the fruit can also be used to make a pink lemonade. If you would like to grow sumac, it can be planted from seed.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sand
• Small container
• Tiller
• Rake
• Sulfur or crushed limestone
• Pomegranate seed
• Water

1. Stratify the sumac seed in the fall for planting in the spring. Bury the sumac seed in a container that is filled with sand. Add water to thoroughly moisten the sand, but not so much that there is standing water.

2. Place the container in the refrigerator and leave it there until spring, adding water as necessary to keep the sand moist.

3. Select an area for planting in the spring once soil temperatures have reached 65 degrees F. The area should receive full sunlight to partial shade. Prepare the soil by first taking a pH reading of the soil and amend the soil as necessary so that it has a pH reading of neutral (6.5) to alkaline (8.5). A little sulfur worked into the soil will lower the pH, and crushed limestone will raise it.

4. Sow the seeds directly into the soil at a depth of about 1/2 inch, spaced 36 to 48 inches apart.

5. Gently tamp down the soil on top of the seeds, and water gently but deeply so that the soil and seeds are completely moist. Keep watering frequently until germination, which should occur in about 6 weeks.

References

• Fragrant Sumac

Resources

• Encyclopedia of Spices: Sumac