Growing small trees from seeds
Hop tree (Ptelea trifoliata) in flower (male). A small, dioecious tree from the Rutaceae family (Citrus), designated as a threatened species in Canada given the low number of individuals and the threats to its habitat. All plant parts are aromatic and the flowers attracts many species of pollinators; larval host for the Giant Swallowtail and Easter Tiger Swallowtail. It is known that some male trees may produce a few perfect flowers (meaning fruits), so I’ll keep an eye on it.
Ptelea trifoliata, the Hop tree, has flowered beautifully this year in the garden. It was grown from seeds and planted very young in a neglected corner of the garden (I didn’t give it much chance for survival).
This made me think how many times we grow some plant from seeds without thinking much about it, only to have them growing and flowering beautifully after a few years. Gardening in a relatively small city garden usually it means not much space available for new trees, when older ones are already present.
Of course, common sense doesn’t always apply to those obsessed with seeds. From the ‘let’s see how the germination goes’ to ‘precious seeds’, I grew quite a few small trees from seeds over the years. Some are still with me, while others were gifted at a young stage.
A small inventory for the small trees/large shrubs grown from seeds over the years (not counting Clematis species, Dioscorea, Daphne mezereum and a couple of Rosa species).
Calycanthus floridus (Carolina allspice), Ptelea trifoliata, Lindera benzoin and Staphylea pinnata (European Bladdernut) from the category : ‘let’s test the germination’.
Acer pseudosieboldianum, Acanthopanax, Magnolia salicifolia, Sorbus koehneana and Chamaemespilus alpina from the ‘unusual species – must sow them’.
Time goes by very fast and depending how well they grow, in 5-6 years some species can start showing the first flowers. The European Bladdernut and the Hop tree are flowering on a regular base now.
Sorbus koehneana, a Chinese rowan with white fruits and beautiful reddish bronze foliage in the fall.
Sorbus koehneana has flowered for the first time this year and I’m looking forward to the colourful fruits (grown in a container).
Magnolia salicifolia is putting up a very nice growth this year, even if it doesn’t have a suitable location yet.
The reason I am writing this post is because most people shy away from growing shrubs and trees from seeds. In fact, it is not more difficult than growing perennial plants.
The only difference is that you should think carefully if you have the suitable planting spots for the youngsters. It means planning a bit more in advance, which I admit it is not easy.
Or do like I did and just grow them 😊 Containers, friends with more garden space, a forgotten garden corner, older trees that need removing at some point…; there are many options for giving them a chance to grow and flower.
It is the only way to obtain species that are not readily available in the regular garden centers.
