How to Germinate the Bald Cypress

Bald cypress trees often grow beside streams.

The bald cypress, also called southern cypress and swamp cypress, grows mostly in marshes and bayous due to the tree's high moisture requirements. If you want to grow your own bald cypress tree, you must have a location that is constantly soggy for the tree to survive. The seeds are best started indoors so that you can monitor the water levels and sunlight conditions.

Things You'll Need

• Shallow plant tray without drainage holes
• Potting soil
• Sphagnum moss
• Bald cypress seeds
• Plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Locate a shallow plant tray that does not have any drainage holes in it. You can also plant the bald cypress seeds in a shallow plastic storage container.

2. Fill the bottom of the tray with 1 inch of sterile potting soil and smooth out the top of it until it is even. Water the soil until it is soggy and water barely pools on the surface.

3. Spread 1 inch of sphagnum moss on top of the soil using your fingers to distribute it evenly. Water the moss until it is damp like a wrung-out sponge.

4. Place the bald cypress tree seeds on top of the moist sphagnum moss at equally spaced distances. Push the seeds down into the moss but not so much that they are completely covered, since they require light to germinate.

5. Cover the top of the container with clear plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss. Place the container in a windowsill or other area that receives bright sunlight for at least four to six hours per day.

6. Monitor the moss and soil every day to ensure they always feel soggy. Add additional water when needed to prevent the moss and soil from drying out. The bald cypress seeds will germinate in approximately one to three months.

References

• University of Florida; Planting Cypress; Susan W. Vince, et. al.; August 2004
• United States Department of Agriculture; Bald Cypress; Lincoln M. Moore; January 2002