
Full Answer
How do you grow trees from seed?
You now know that you basically have two options when growing trees from seed: The natural way, which often includes sowing the seeds in the autumn, or through “assisted” germination, which is initially done indoors.
What is a tree seed?
Do you like this video? Tree seeds are seeds that are planted in tree patches that grow into your own personal tree as part of the Farming skill. Growing trees is somewhat different to other plants, in that there is an intermediate growing stage where the seed must be grown into a sapling before being planted into a cleared tree patch.
Is it possible to craft tree seeds from seeds?
Yeah, I only found one. Tree seeds are crafted from seeds except for the one of a kind tree seed that you can find. Recipes are shown on the top screen of the dna manipulator and you can do the combining on the bottom screen.
Can a tree seed be forced to germinate?
This article has been viewed 232,594 times. Seed germination is a necessary part of growing trees, but it can often be a long and tricky process. Tree seeds can be germinated naturally, or they can be “forced” by assisted germination.

Where do tree seeds come from?
The simple answer to these questions is from a flower or fruit, but it is more complex than that. The seeds of conifers, such as pine trees, are contained in scales inside the cone. The seeds of a maple tree are inside the little helicopters or samaras.
Do trees give seeds?
Trees make seeds, which can then grow into other trees. So each tree has a mother and a father, and the seeds are their babies.
How can I get free tree seeds?
Get free seeds (and give free seeds) through a community seed library. Seed libraries operate a lot like your local library: You check out seeds to plant, and return the same amount of seeds (or more, if you're feeling generous) at the end of growing season.
Can you grow a tree from a branch?
A great, inexpensive way to propagate your favorite trees is to try planting trees from twigs or cuttings. Growing trees from cuttings is fun and easy, as long as you follow a few simple steps. Read on for information on how to start roots on branch cuttings.
How long does it take for a seed to become a tree?
For the trees to reach their full growth, it depends on the climate and the water available. In tropical climates with warm weather and a plentiful water supply, a tree can become fully grown in 30 years. A tree in cooler regions may take several hundred years to reach full maturity depending upon the tree species.
How can I get free seeds in the mail?
Go to the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). The USDA Free Seeds website. Note that in order to receive your seeds you have to set up an account with your address info by clicking on the New User button. Don't worry, there's no charge for seeds. The USDA will even pay for shipping if you do not volunteer to pay.
Is planting a tree free?
California. The City of Los Angeles Department of Environment and Sanitation will plant a tree on your property for free. City Plants also offers free yard and street trees.
How do you get seeds from the Department of Agriculture?
Those interested in availing the free vegetable seeds and planting materials may reach the DA-BPI through these contact numbers: (02) 8525-7313 or 8524-0837 or through email: [email protected].
How do trees reproduce?
Trees and other plants produce new plants by making seeds. When these seeds disperse, a new tree or plant begins to grow. Some seeds disperse by falling to the ground. Seeds can be dispersed other ways, as well.
Can I grow fruit trees from seed?
What about taking the seed from the fruit and planting it to grow out into a tree for their garden? Unfortunately, fruit trees do not grow out from seeds in the fruit. If you collect seed from a plant, the seeds will produce plants that will be a hybrid of two plants.
How long do tree seeds last?
Seeds in good condition and stored properly will last at least one year and, depending on the plant, may last two to five years.
What are tree sprouts?
When trees are stressed or have suffered some sort of trauma, they often respond by producing upright shoots called water sprouts and suckers. By most definitions, water sprouts are shoots that develop on the trunk and branches of trees, while suckers are shoots that grow from roots or the base of a tree.
The Wonderful World of Seeds
Growing trees from seed is both fun and interesting. Seeds are cheap, and you can get as many free trees as you want or can handle. This is great i...
So What Should You Grow from Seeds?
The short answer is everything, but…There are certain plants that when grown from seed will have fruits or nuts as good, or better, than the mother...
How to Get All The Seeds You Need
The first thing you could do to get the seeds is to gather them from their natural environment…This is the easiest way. For example, in my area I f...
Ready to Grow Trees from Seeds? Here Are Some of Your Options
Generally speaking, there are two ways to grow tree seeds: the natural way, which often includes sowing the seeds outside in autumn, or through “as...
How to get seeds out of cones?
To remove the wing attached to the seed, gently rub the seeds between your hands or over a screen. Pouring the seeds from one container to another when the wind is blowing will remove the wings and other debris. Whether you purchase or collect the seed yourself, store it in an airtight jar or bottle until spring. Place the bottle where rapid temperature changes do not occur, such as a fruit or vegetable room in the cellar or store in a refrigerator.
What causes seed dormancy?
Seed dormancy has two main causes: seedcoat dormancy caused by an impermeable or hard seedcoat that prevents water or oxygen from reaching the embryo, and internal dormancy which may be caused by an immature embryo.
What to use for fall planting?
All fall planted seeds should be mulched. Materials which can be used are sawdust, burlap, ground corncobs, straw or hay. These mulches will help prevent any erosion and frost heaving and may be left in place to delay spring germination until danger of frost is past. The corncob or sawdust mulch may be left on the seedbeds.
How to open a cone?
Store the cones in a warm, dry room and use either artificial or natural heat to open them. A small number of cones will open readily when spread on canvas in full sunlight. This method is recommended since there is no danger of damaging the seed during extraction. You can use the oven of a kitchen stove, but be careful not to heat the cones too much or too long or you’ll reduce the vitality of the seed. A temperature of 120° F for 4 hours should open the cones without seriously injuring the seed.
When do maple trees ripen?
Some trees whose seed ripens in late summer or early fall include: sugar maple, boxelder, the oaks, basswood, honey locust, hackberry, the ashes, black walnut, butternut, the hickories, Kentucky coffeetree, and wild plum. Some of these seeds fall to the ground; others can be picked from the trees.
Does a seedbed take up space?
A seedbed takes very little space, but there are some important requirements in the location of a seedbed. Some of these requirements are:
Can you add barnyard manure to a seed bed?
Under no circumstances should you add barnyard manure to the seedbed soil. Make a wooden frame, 4 feet wide by 12 feet long, out of 1-inch by 4-inch or 1-inch by 6-inch lumber. Set the frame on edge about 1 inch into the ground. Firm the surrounding area, add enough soil to raise the surface of the bed about 1 inch.
How to get seeds for a tree?
The cheapest way to get seeds is to gather them yourself. Choose local varieties, since you know they already grow in your area. Make sure to sort and clean them, and store properly until needed. S pecial varieties like ornamental, flowering, or fruit trees are often on private property, so you may not be able to easily forage these kinds – but, you can buy fruit at the grocery store! Citrus seeds, apple cores, and cherry and avocado pits are just a few examples of seeds you can use for the price of the fruit itself - but beware, their efficacy is unreliable. You can source other varieties from garden centers and reputable seed companies, either in-store or online. Look for organic and heirloom varieties, when possible.
How to make a tree seed germination?
The term for this process is scarification, and can be left to natural means or, assisted. Filing, sanding, boiling, and using certain chemicals are all ways to manually prepare the seed for germination. Relying on nature isn’t a sure bet, since seeds are usually broken down slowly; sometimes by passing through animal digestive tracts, extreme weather conditions like a freeze and thaw or heat, or through microbes in the soil. Assisted scarification will help ensure germination with better results.
How do trees germinate?
Different trees will germinate in different ways. The majority of fruit trees need to be cross-pollinated to produce any yield. Because of this, it’s unlikely that you will ever be able to get an exact replication of your favorite apple tree from seed, for example – it will always be a combination of the tree and whatever wind or animal pollinator paid a visit. The only way you will get a “true” cultivar is if it is a self-pollinator, and no other pollinators interfere. Woody trees, like the deciduous varieties that grow in four season climates go through a trickier process before germination can even occur. If you want to plant one of these trees, you have to mimic the conditions by creating a similar environment and process for the seed to break dormancy, known as scarification and/or stratification.
How to keep a tree from sprouting?
Once you notice germination, you can keep seeds inside under grow lights before planting in your yard or orchard. Germination time will depend on the species, but once you notice sprouts you may want to nurse the seedlings just like any others, and keep them indoors until they are strong enough to survive on their own. Lots of light is always essential for this period, and some may even benefit from houseplant fertilizer. Most saplings prefer to be planted in the spring or fall, while some species, especially warmer climate ones, can be planted anytime as long as it isn’t too hot. It’s really quite specific to the tree variety.
How to scarify seeds?
Essentially, winter is what breaks a seeds dormant period. Assisted stratification can be done in your home, manually. Place your seeds in a mixture of equal parts peat moss and sand in a sealed, plastic container, and leave in the refrigerator for a few weeks or months, depending on the tree variety. Do not put it in the freezer, as the moisture is just as important as the cold.
How long do you leave seeds in the refrigerator?
Place your seeds in a mixture of equal parts peat moss and sand in a sealed, plastic container, and leave in the refrigerator for a few weeks or months, depending on the tree variety.
How long does it take for a fruit tree to bear fruit?
Buying a seedling or young tree may bear fruit or flower within a couple years instead of having to wait longer. Also, a fruit tree seedling will most likely be a clone that has been grafted on root-stock, meaning it will bear a specific kind of fruit or nut.
How to grow a tree from seed?
To germinate tree seeds naturally, find a medium-sized pot with drainage holes. Cover the bottom with a thin layer of gravel. Then, fill it most of the way with a natural compost. Dig a ½ inch hole in the middle and plant 2 or 3 seeds inside. Keep the pot inside or in a shady corner out of direct sunlight.
How long does it take for a tree to grow?
Trees take years to grow, and they will continue to grow in some way or another throughout their lifespans. Watch your tree carefully while it is a sapling. Keep it watered, and protect it from animals if necessary. You can put a mesh fence around the tree to protect it.
Why do we need assisted germination?
Assisted germination is helpful if you want to speed up the overall germination process. Many tree seeds have similar germination processes, but it is best to research the exact requirements for the species of tree you plan to grow. Steps.
How to make a pot for a sandbox?
Add stones and natural compost to a plant pot. Begin the planting process during autumn. Get a medium-sized plant pot that has drainage holes at the bottom . Layer the bottom of the pot with small stones. Only put enough stones so that you can’t see the bottom of the pot. Then, fill the pot with natural compost. Fill it up almost all the way, but leave about a 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) of space at the top of the pot.
How to protect saplings from pests?
To protect a sapling from pests, put a bamboo cane into the ground next to the tree. Take an empty liter bottle of soda, and cut the neck and base off of it. Place the bottle onto the bamboo and over the sapling.#N#Thanks!#N#Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0#N#If you are germinating a seed that is a berry or from a fruit, you should (if possible) remove the fruit or dry it out as it will later cause your tree to rot.#N#Thanks!#N#Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
How long should a tree branch be cut off?
Absloutely. You can grow trees from branch cuttings by cutting off a relatively young branch between 6"-12" long. Different trees require different techniques for the most successful outcome.
What to watch for in a small tree?
Watch for weeds and pests while the tree is still very small.
How to grow a seedling from seed?
Now, it's time to "re-pot" your germinating seeds into your prepared containers. Using your finger, make a hole in the center of your potting mix. Drop 1-2 sprouting seeds in the hole and cover with potting mix. Lightly water the seedling so that the soil is damp.
How to grow seedlings in plastic bottles?
Prepare Individual Containers for the Seedlings and Make Potting Mix. While you wait for the seeds to sprout, prepare the containers and potting soil that you'll use to cultivate your individual seedlings (this is where your plastic bottles will come in handy).
How to get rid of a sapling in a hole?
Using scissors or a razor blade, cut the plastic bottle away from the sapling carefully so that you do not damage the roots. Peel away the plastic bottle and remove the sapling. Recycle the discarded plastic. Place the roots of your sapling in the hole and cover with so il so that the sapling can stand on its own.
What is a tree seed?
Tree seeds are seeds that are planted in tree patches that grow into your own personal tree as part of the Farming skill. Growing trees is somewhat different to other plants, in that there is an intermediate growing stage where the seed must be grown into a sapling before being planted into a cleared tree patch.
How to grow saplings in a patch?
Plant one tree seed on the pot with the gardening trowel and water it with a watering can. After a few minutes, the seedling will grow into a sapling which can then be planted in a cleared tree patch.
How to make a rich soil mix for seeds?
To make a rich soil mix, combine some potting soil with some soil from the planting site. Cover the seed with coarse sand, peat moss, or leaf mold.
How to grow sycamore from seed?
1. Plant the seeds in a shallow tray. Sycamore seeds grow best when you start them in a tray and then transfer them to a pot. Choose a shallow growing tray, but one that’s deep enough to let the seed take root. The plant will grow to about 4 inches (10 cm) in the first 2 months.
How long does it take for a sycamore tree to grow?
Sycamores are fast growing trees, but they take about a year to reach 2 feet (0.61 m) tall. It’s best to keep the sycamore in a pot for that much time. You may need to transfer it to bigger pot if it seems to become rootbound. Rootbound means that the roots have grown so much that they’ve filled the pot.
How tall should a sycamore tree be?
Move the tree to a pot when it reaches 4 inches (10 cm) in height. After a couple of months, the sycamore should be at about 4 inches (10 cm) in height. It should have a solid root system and leaves by this point. Transfer it from the shallow tray into a deeper pot with good drainage.
What does rootbound mean in gardening?
Rootbound means that the roots have grown so much that they’ve filled the pot. Gently pull the sapling, along with its roots, out of the pot every 2 months to check that there is plenty of soil left in the pot. ...
How much sun do sycamore trees need?
Choose a spot that gets 6 hours of direct sunlight each day . Sycamore trees want to soak up the sun, so make sure you pick a wide open spot. If you already have a lot of trees, place the sycamore away from the rest. Spend a week or so watching your yard to see what parts get the most sun.
What trees have winged seeds?
There are several types of trees that produce these winged seeds. Field Maple, Ash, Sycamore, and Norway Maples are all known to disperse seeds like these.

Tree Suitability
Sourcing Seeds
- The cheapest way to get seeds is to gather them yourself. Choose local varieties, since you know they already grow in your area. Make sure to sort and clean them, and store properly until needed. Special varieties like ornamental, flowering, or fruit trees are often on private property, so you may not be able to easily forage these kinds – but, you...
Seeds vs. Seedlings
- The major con of planting a tree from seed is the time it will take to mature. Buying a seedling or young tree may bear fruit or flower within a couple years instead of having to wait longer. Also, a fruit tree seedling will most likely be a clone that has been grafted on root-stock, meaning it will bear a specific kind of fruit or nut. If you want exact fruit species, seedlings are the way to go, bu…
Tree Genetics
- Different trees will germinate in different ways. The majority of fruit trees need to be cross-pollinated to produce any yield. Because of this, it’s unlikely that you will ever be able to get an exact replication of your favorite apple tree from seed, for example – it will always be a combination of the tree and whatever wind or animal pollinator paid a visit. The only way you wil…
Scarification
- Most tree seeds will have a hard, outer shell or coat that needs to be cracked open or softened for successful germination. The term for this process is scarification, and can be left to natural means or, assisted. Filing, sanding, boiling, and using certain chemicals are all ways to manually prepare the seed for germination. Relying on nature isn’t a sure bet, since seeds are usually brok…
Stratification
- Not all seeds need to undergo scarification, however, the majority must go through cold stratification. In nature, seeds only germinate once they are exposed to cool, moist weather conditions for weeks or months. Essentially, winter is what breaks a seeds dormant period. Assisted stratification can be done in your home, manually. Place your seeds in a mixture of equ…
Germination
- Once you notice germination, you can keep seeds inside under grow lights before planting in your yard or orchard. Germination time will depend on the species, but once you notice sprouts you may want to nurse the seedlings just like any others, and keep them indoors until they are strong enough to survive on their own. Lots of light is always essential for this period, and some may ev…