Growing Guide - Red Bud Trees from Seed
The Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a fast growing flowering deciduous tree native to Eastern North America. Also known as American Redbud, it grows up to of 30′ tall and 25′ wide in full sun and well draining soil. It’s a versatile tree, as it can grow in full sun in a yard or in full shade as an under-story tree.
After a long, cold and snowy winter, what is a more breathtaking and a sign nature is waking up than a breathtaking redbud tree with thousands of tiny deep pink flowers covering its branches. A true sign spring is coming. Redbud trees are one of the first trees to bloom in the spring and a sure sign spring is here.
With a few pointers, redbud trees are very easy to grow from seed.
Redbuds are deciduous and hardy in zones 4-9 growing willd in Eastern United State all the way to Oklahoma and Texas.
Redbuds are under story trees, they can live in the shade underneath the forest floor but will grow bigger and taller in full sun. In full sun the foliage is thicker and more brilliant. Requiring little care, the redbud makes an excellent ornamental tree.
Once the flowers fade new breath of life begins as it produces attractive 5 inch heart. In the fall the leaves turn a bright yellow color, making a beautiful display.
Germinating Redbud Seeds
(Scarification)
The seed coats on redbud seeds need to be broken first by taking some sandpaper and sanding it just to see a lighter color on a small portion of the seed.
Next boil water, set aside for 1 minute, then pour the water into a cup or jar with the seeds in it. Leave for 24 hours. You will find that the seeds have swelled just a bit and that means that that the thick hard outer shell has been broken.
(stratificaion) -tricking the seeds.
Simulating winter months, you can put the seeds into the refrigerator for a length of time, otherwise you can store them outside for the winter.
Place a small amount of moist planting mix in a small pot or container (butter container works well). Place the redbud seeds on the surface and then lightly cover with additional soil. Water just till moist. Punch 1 or 2 small holes in the plastic lid and place it on the container and put into the refrigerator for 5-8 weeks.
Planting time
Remove the seeds from the refrigerator and plant in pots indoors. Using a commercial potting mix, plant the redbud seeds 1/4 to 1/2 deep. Keep the potting mix moist until the redbud seeds germinate.
Happy Planting
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