Growing trees from seeds is very time-consuming, and with many species you need a lot of patience until the seed has become a real tree. However, breeding can be worthwhile because every seed contains a surprise: Since the genetic material of several trees is combined here, with a bit of luck you might even be able to discover a new variety.
How to grow trees from seeds?
To grow trees from seeds, you need fresh seeds, the right sowing time and method. Collect native seeds in autumn, use cool temperatures for germination, soak hard seeds and plant them in sowing soil. Care for seedlings until they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Seed procurement
The most important thing when growing trees from seeds is that you only use absolutely fresh seeds. This should either be collected yourself or purchased from a trusted dealer. However, make sure that they only offer fresh seeds and have stored them correctly. Old or incorrectly stored seeds show poor germination rates. It's easiest with native tree species: just go into the forest in autumn and collect acorns, beechnuts, chestnuts and fir and pine cones. Cones should be placed in a warm room for a few days until they open and you can collect the seeds.
Sowing time
The seeds of native tree species require a cold period with frosty temperatures to break dormancy. So plant these seeds directly outdoors in autumn or winter and don't forget to install a protective net against birds and rodents. However, stratification, as this procedure is also called, can also be achieved artificially. To do this, pack the seeds in a container with moist sand, which you then place in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator for a few weeks.
Preparation
Seeds with a hard shell or pod, such as pine or beech seeds, are best soaked in water before sowing. This softens the shell and makes germination easier.
Sowing and caring for seedlings
Once all the preparatory work has been completed, you can now proceed to sowing:
- Fill a seed box (€15.00 on Amazon) or tray with sowing soil.
- Normal garden soil mixed with sand is suitable for this.
- Place a thin layer of sand on top.
- Draw the sowing furrows.
- Place the seeds one at a time in the furrows.
- The space required depends on the size of the seeds.
- Cover the seeds with a thin layer of sowing soil.
- The sowing box is watered well and placed outside.
- The well-developed seedlings are placed in individual pots.
- Alternatively, you can also plant them out.
Tip
Deciduous trees in particular can also be propagated very well by cuttings. However, this form does not work with many coniferous trees, especially pines.
