How to Save Redbud Tree Seeds
Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) produce tiny, raspberry-colored spring blossoms. Rather than appear as a cloud of blossoms, the way other flowering tree blossoms do, the eastern redbud's flowers sprout from nodes and line individual branches, delineating the tree's architecture. According to the University of Florida, the eastern redbud is best propagated by seed. In the fall, the redbud drops its brown seed pods on the ground, where you can collect them. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Collect the seed pods from the ground under an eastern redbud in the fall. You can put them in any paper or plastic bag.
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Spread the pods on a flat surface and store in a dry space such as an attic or any room in a house. Allow to thoroughly dry, which may take three to four weeks or several months, depending upon the moisture in the air.
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Crack open the pods and discard them once they have dried out. Save the seeds.
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Scarify the seeds before further storage or they will not germinate, according to Iowa State University Extension. To scarify, drop them into boiling water for one minute. Drain well, then put the seeds in a watertight container.
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Store the container in the refrigerator, which will simulate mild winter conditions, for five to eight weeks. This is called cold stratification and is also necessary to seed germination.
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Tips & Warnings
Plant seeds promptly after eight weeks. They need only 1 inch of soil on top of them, according to University of Iowa Extension, so you can start them in pots if necessary.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit redbud branch image by Carbonbrain from Fotolia.com
