Post by Tumbleweed on Oct 13, 2008 20:39:44 GMT -6
Propagate a Red Bud from Seeds
Red buds have very hard seeds so if you are hoping to propagate from a red bud you may want to use a cutting.
However, if you want to grow it from a seed (there is something rewarding about that) the best way is to scarify them. To scarify just rub the seed between sand paper which removes the hard coating and makes early germination possible. You can plant them in just about anything such as a water bottle cut in half with holes poked in the bottom for drainage or any other handy container you may have. If you are lucky you will see germination in a couple weeks. Be sure to do a half dozen or so because, chances are, you will not be successful with each seed.
Another way, if you are in no hurry is to gather up some seed pods in the fall and remove the seeds from the pods. Put them in a container with dirt on the bottom and seeds in the middle and soil on top. Bury them in the ground, mark the spot and leave them there over the winter. The freezing, thawing and moisture during the winter will loosen up the hard coating. In the spring just dig them up and plant where ever you prefer.
Another alternative, if you are in no hurry, is to stratify (layer in soil) and put them in your fridge for the winter. (About 90 to 120 days)
If you want to propagate oodles of seeds you can also use the method of boiling them to soften the hard seed coating. Get some water boiling and dump the seeds in the water for about one minute. (Yes, seriously.) Dry the seeds and put them in the fridge for 3-4 weeks. Plant in the Spring.
Please don't expect blooms for a few years after germination.
Good luck with your propagating!
Red buds have very hard seeds so if you are hoping to propagate from a red bud you may want to use a cutting.
However, if you want to grow it from a seed (there is something rewarding about that) the best way is to scarify them. To scarify just rub the seed between sand paper which removes the hard coating and makes early germination possible. You can plant them in just about anything such as a water bottle cut in half with holes poked in the bottom for drainage or any other handy container you may have. If you are lucky you will see germination in a couple weeks. Be sure to do a half dozen or so because, chances are, you will not be successful with each seed.
Another way, if you are in no hurry is to gather up some seed pods in the fall and remove the seeds from the pods. Put them in a container with dirt on the bottom and seeds in the middle and soil on top. Bury them in the ground, mark the spot and leave them there over the winter. The freezing, thawing and moisture during the winter will loosen up the hard coating. In the spring just dig them up and plant where ever you prefer.
Another alternative, if you are in no hurry, is to stratify (layer in soil) and put them in your fridge for the winter. (About 90 to 120 days)
If you want to propagate oodles of seeds you can also use the method of boiling them to soften the hard seed coating. Get some water boiling and dump the seeds in the water for about one minute. (Yes, seriously.) Dry the seeds and put them in the fridge for 3-4 weeks. Plant in the Spring.
Please don't expect blooms for a few years after germination.
Good luck with your propagating!
