How to Grow a Dogwood Tree From Seed Step By Step!

Last Updated on September 19, 2022 by Griselda M.

Do you know how to grow a dogwood tree from seed?  This article will teach you how to do it in the right growing conditions.

Flowering dogwoods, scientific name Cornus Florida are deciduous trees of the genus Cornus, belonging to the family Cornaceae, native to eastern North America and Mexico.  It has a strong, straight, tall trunk, and a pyramidal crown.  The leaves are alternate, ovate-lanceolate, and pointed, with serrated margins.  They are mostly green but can be variegated.

The flowers are bisexual, white, or pink, produced in terminal panicles; the fruit is a round or egg-shaped drupe, containing several seeds.  There are different types of dogwood trees, including:

• Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii)
• Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)
• Common dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
• Red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea)
• Japanese cornelian cherry (Cornus Officinalis)
• Japanese dogwood (Cornus kousa)
• Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas)
• Wedding cake tree (Cornus controversa)

In this article, we will look at how to grow a dogwood tree from seed.

How to Grow a Dogwood Tree From Seed?

Step 1. Sow the seeds

Sow your dogwood seeds outdoors in May or June indoors under lights.  Keep the temperature at 70 degrees F.

Step 2. Cover the seed

Cover the seed with a thin layer of vermiculite, and or cover with perlite.  Keep the seedlings moist until they emerge, then keep them well-watered for the first couple of weeks.

Step 3. Keep the soil moist

Keep the soil moist and in a sunny location. You may need to use a heat mat if you don’t have a greenhouse.

Step 4. Transplant

When seedlings are about 2″ tall, transplant them up into the ideal growing location.  When the tree is about 4” tall, transplant them into a hole that is 3” deep and 2.5” wide. The hole should be filled with potting soil mixed with some perlite and vermiculite.

Step 5. Fertilize your soil

Fertilize your soil when transplanting. Use a fertilizer that has a high nitrogen content.

Step 6. Water your tree

After planting, water regularly.  Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Once the tree is established, it will require less attention.

Water once or twice a week, and fertilize every 6 months or so.  If you live in an area where temperatures drop below 45 degrees F in winter, you may need to protect your dogwood tree from winter frost.

Step 7. Prune your tree as it grows

This is natural, and the more often you prune the bush, the more it will grow. Prune your dogwood tree in late spring, before it gets too big.  Prune your tree to remove any branches that are touching each other. If your dogwood tree has a lot of branches, it may be necessary to prune it several times a year.

Care and Maintenance of Dogwood Tree

• Sow your seeds in a seed tray

Cover with perlite or peat moss. Keep the soil moist, but not wet. Keep the soil slightly warm. In about six weeks, when the stems are about 4 inches tall, pinch out the growing point. Remove the seedlings from the soil and plant them on a sunny windowsill. They may be moved to a pot for winter if necessary.

• In spring, plant in rich, well-drained soil

The soil should be fertile, loose and well-draining.

• Water deeply, especially during dry spells

Watering your tree is essential and provides it with the right nutrients. You can water trees at any time of the year, but avoid watering too much in winter conditions, as this will cause them to grow cold and damaged. It can also cause root rot and disease.

• Mulching is recommended

Apply mulch at least 2 inches deep around the base of the tree. Mulch will help prevent weed growth and conserve moisture. In fall, water the tree well and apply a light mulch.

• Pests and diseases

Common pests that attack dogwood trees include dogwood borer, dogwood club-gall midge, and scales. Keep an eye out for these and treat them as fast as you can to avoid further damage to your tree.

In Conclusion – How to Grow a Dogwood Tree From Seed?

This article teaches you how to grow a dogwood tree from seed in the right way. Dogwood trees can be used to make a good garden hedge or be left to grow in the yard for landscaping.

You’ll find that it takes time and patience, but if you follow this guide, you’ll be able to enjoy the fruit of your labor in no time. Choose the right seeds that have a longer shelf life so they can germinate with ease.

This article provides you with all the details you need to know about dogwood seeds, when to sow, how to sow, and where to sow them. They are easy to grow, hardy, and come in many different varieties.

Dogwood trees are usually found growing in the wilds of North America and Mexico.  Why not try growing yours today and see how well it does?  Your yard will rejoice with the colourful flower that this tree produces.  Don’t forget to share with us the outcome of your planting in the comments below!

Read more about How to Grow a Loquat Tree From a Seed?

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