How to Plant Dogwood Tree from Seeds

Dogwood trees are beautiful flowering trees that can add color and character to any garden. While dogwood trees are often grown from saplings, it is also possible to grow them from seeds. Growing a dogwood tree from seeds can be a rewarding experience, but it requires some patience and effort. Here is a guide on how to plant dogwood tree from seeds.

Step 1: Collecting Dogwood Seeds

The first step in growing a dogwood tree from seeds is to collect the seeds. Dogwood seeds can be found in the tree's berries, which should be ripe in the fall. To collect the seeds, simply pick the berries from the tree and remove the fleshy outer layer. The seeds are inside the hard, brown pit.

Step 2: Preparing the Seeds

Once you have collected the dogwood seeds, you need to prepare them for planting. To do this, you need to stratify the seeds. Stratification is a process where the seeds are exposed to cold temperatures to break their dormancy. To stratify the seeds, place them in a plastic bag with some moist peat moss or vermiculite, and place the bag in the refrigerator for three months.

Step 3: Planting the Seeds

After the seeds have been stratified, it is time to plant them. Fill a small pot with potting soil and place the seeds on the surface of the soil, pressing them lightly into the soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, and water them lightly. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot where the temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Caring for the Seeds

It will take some time for the dogwood seeds to grow into seedlings. While you are waiting for them to sprout, you need to care for them properly. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and make sure the seedlings are not exposed to direct sunlight. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of three inches, you can transplant them to a larger pot or into the ground.

Step 5: Transplanting the Seedlings

When the dogwood seedlings are ready to be transplanted, choose a spot in your garden that has well-drained soil and partial shade. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the pot and slightly deeper. Gently remove the seedling from the pot, being careful not to damage the roots, and place it in the hole. Fill in the hole with soil, and water the seedling well.

Step 6: Caring for the Tree

Once your dogwood tree is planted, you need to care for it properly to ensure its growth and health. Water the tree regularly, especially during dry spells, and fertilize it once a year with a balanced fertilizer. Prune the tree in the winter to remove any dead or diseased branches, and to shape the tree into the desired form.

Growing a dogwood tree from seeds can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following these steps, you can grow a beautiful dogwood tree that will add color and character to your garden for years to come.