How to Grow a Cypress Tree From a Seed
Growing a cypress tree from a seed is a way to add a beautiful, beneficial tree to the garden or lawn. Cypress trees are good for timber and wood, and their root systems can help with erosion and flood control. Cypress trees are deciduous conifers, which means they have needles and cones that they shed in the fall. Raising a cypress tree from a seed is an easy way to control the growing conditions of the tree from its germination on. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Plant a cypress tree seed that has been stored at a nursery under dormant conditions. Dark, cool locations help prevent seeds from germinating. Do not use a cypress seed that shows signs of fungal damage or that has already begun to sprout.
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Fill a planter with potting soil. Use a planter that is large enough to accommodate the growing cypress tree, as the tree will grow in a planter for a full season.
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Mix a balanced fertilizer with the potting soil. Use a fertilizer that is formulated to provide nutrients to trees. Follow the directions on the fertilizer to get the best results.
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Dig a small hole in the center of the planter for the cypress seed. The hole should be 1 to 2 inches deep to allow the seed to germinate and begin growing.
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Place the cypress seed in the hole and cover it with dirt. Water the planter immediately.
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Keep the planter in a warm location where it receives partial sunlight throughout the day. Sunlight and regular watering will help the cypress seed germinate and begin growing. Use a grow lamp if the cypress is kept in an area where there is low sunlight.
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Water the cypress tree regularly. Cypress trees grow well in moist soil. Make sure the planter is able to drain water from the bottom, as standing water at the bottom of the planter can provide a place for harmful fungi to grow.
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Grow the cypress indoors for a full year to allow the seed to become a healthy sapling. Add fertilizer to the cypress planter once a month during the spring and summer, or according to the directions, to help the tree grow.
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Use a grow lamp to supplement sunlight during the winter and keep the cypress tree healthy.
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Transplant the cypress sapling outdoors in the spring. Plant it where it will receive indirect sunlight throughout the day. Dig a hole in an area with well-drained soil and plant the cypress tree. Water the sapling immediately.
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References
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Planting Cypress
- University of Illinois Extension: Cypress Trees are Fussy but Hardy
- Washington State University Extension: Propagating Deciduous and Evergreen Shrubs, Trees and Vines
- Illinois Wildflowers: Bald Cypress
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources: Bald Cypress
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
