How to Harvest Dogwood Tree Seeds

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Things You'll Need

  • Newspaper

  • Bowl

  • Water

  • Clear-plastic storage bag

  • Peat moss

  • Water

  • Refrigerator

Dogwood seeds are contained in the tree's red berries.

Dogwood trees come in both pink and white varieties and are one of the first trees to produce blooms in the early spring. The branches of the dogwood contain buds along the entire branch, which gives the effect that the tree is completely covered in delicate blossoms. You can harvest the seeds from a dogwood tree and plant them to grow a new tree. Almost all dogwood seeds produce white-colored dogwoods, since the pink variety is propagated only by grafting.

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Step 1

Wait until the fall and look for small clusters of red berries that pull easily from the tree branch. Squeeze one between your fingers to see if it smashes easily, which means that it is the proper time to harvest the seeds. Pick as many of the berries as desired by pulling them off of the dogwood tree.

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Step 2

Spread the berries in a single layer on a piece of newspaper and allow them to sit for one week.

Step 3

Fill a bowl half full of water and place the seeds in it. Press the seeds in your fingers to rub away the outer pulp and reveal the inner black seed. Lay the seeds on a paper towel to dry and continue cleaning the remaining seeds.

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Step 4

Fill a clear-plastic storage bag with 2 cups of peat moss and add 1/4 cup of water until the moss is completely moist.

Step 5

Place the collected dogwood seeds into the bag and seal tightly.

Step 6

Place the bag in a refrigerator for at least two to three months before planting outdoors or in a pot.

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