- Planting bald cypress seedlings is preferable to planting seeds, as the germination of bald cypress seeds can take a year or more. Look for seedlings that are 12 inches tall with well-developed roots. Bare-root seedlings are more susceptible to transplant shock than are containerized roots.
- Bald cypress should be planted where the ground will stay wet most of the time. They will grow in soils ranging from sandy to muck. There should be plenty of soil depth below the planting area, as bald cypress will not grow well over hardpan. The bald cypress grows best in full sun, so the seedlings should not be planted where they will be shaded by other growth. The bald cypress, as opposed to pond cypress, does well in an area that occasionally floods to a depth of up to three feet, so look for an area that overflows periodically.
- Bare-root seedlings should be planted after the danger of frost is past. Containerized seedlings can be planted at any time. Plant both types of bald cypress seedlings in moist ground where they will not be subjected to drought. There can be standing water present, but not enough to submerge the seedling. Planting needs to be timed well in advance of flooding season, so that the seedlings are not submerged or washed away.
- Seedlings should be spaced at least 8 feet apart. Dig a hole large enough so that the seedlings' roots can spread out. Plant the seedling with the root collar at or below ground level. Fill the hole and pack the soil back in, making sure not to leave an air pocket near the roots.
- Bald cypress seedlings have a high survival rate. According to Susan W. Vince and Mary L. Duryea of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, up to 90 percent will survive the first two years. Although the bald cypress can be grown in drier conditions, it will not reach full height and usually will not develop cypress knees in these locations.
