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Thinking about growing a dogwood tree from seed?
It’s easier than you think!
With the right tactics, you can watch your own dogwood tree thrive. Discover 6 simple steps to get started.
Ready to grow something beautiful?
Let’s go!
Gather Your Seeds
First things first, you need to gather dogwood seeds. You can either buy them or collect them from mature dogwood trees in your area.
If you’re collecting, look for the berries in fall. They’re usually red or purple.
When you have your berries, gently squish them to get the seeds out. Make sure to wash off any pulp since it can inhibit germination.
Stratify Your Seeds
This is a fancy word for chilling them. Dogwood seeds need a cold period to sprout.
Pop your clean seeds in a ziplock bag with some moist peat moss or sand. Stick the bag in your fridge for about 90-120 days.
Mark your calendar so you don’t forget! This step mimics the winter season and wakes up the seed.
Prepare Your Soil
Dogwood trees prefer a spot with rich, well-drained soil. If your soil isn’t ideal, don’t worry – you can amend it.
Mix in some compost or peat moss to improve the texture and nutrients. If you’re starting seeds indoors, a good quality potting mix will do the trick.
Sow the Seeds
After the cold stratification period, it’s time to plant the seeds. Sow them about half an inch deep in your prepared soil or potting mix.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Make sure your seeds are in a warm location with plenty of light.
If you’re planting outside, choose a spot that gets plenty of indirect sunlight.
Water Regularly
Young dogwood trees need consistent watering. Check the soil regularly and water when it feels dry to the touch.
Be careful not to overwater since soggy soil can lead to root rot. It’s a balancing act, but you’ll get the hang of it.
Mulching can help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
Watch for Growth
With any luck and some patience, you’ll start to see sprouts popping up. Once your seedlings have developed a few leaves, they’re on their way.
Continue to care for them with regular watering and they’ll grow stronger each day. If you’re starting them indoors, gradually introduce them to the outdoors to harden them off before transplanting permanently.