Can You Plant Seed Pods from Honeylocust Trees?

Honeylocust trees are a beautiful addition to any landscape. These trees thrive in a variety of environments and can grow up to 100 feet tall. One of the interesting things about honeylocust trees is that they produce seed pods. In this article, we will examine whether or not you can plant seed pods from honeylocust trees.

What are Honeylocust Seed Pods?

Honeylocust seed pods are long, narrow, and twisted. They can reach up to 18 inches in length and contain a sweet pulp that can be eaten raw or made into jelly. The pulp contains a number of seeds that are enclosed in a hard, woody shell. The seed pods turn brown and start to dry out in the fall, at which point they can be harvested.

Can You Plant Honeylocust Seed Pods?

Yes, honeylocust seed pods can be planted. However, it's important to note that the success rate of germination is relatively low. Only a small percentage of the seeds are viable, which means that you may need to plant quite a few seed pods in order to get a single tree to grow. Additionally, honeylocust trees are notorious for producing thorns. If you are going to attempt to plant honeylocust seed pods, make sure you wear gloves to protect your hands.

How to Plant Honeylocust Seed Pods

If you've decided to plant honeylocust seed pods, here are the steps you should follow:

Collect the seed pods. Make sure they are dry and free of mold.

Soak the seed pods in water for 24 hours. This will help to soften the hard shell around the seeds.

Plant the seed pods in a well-draining potting mix. Make sure they are planted at least 2 inches deep.

Water the seed pods regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Place the pot in a warm, sunny location. Honeylocust trees need plenty of sunlight to grow.

Be patient. Honeylocust trees can take up to six months to germinate.

Conclusion

Planting honeylocust seed pods can be a fun and rewarding project. While the success rate of germination is relatively low, it's still worth giving it a try if you're interested in growing honeylocust trees. Just make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from the thorns, and be patient as you wait for your seed pods to grow into healthy trees.