Gathering Redbud Seeds

[mwhite]

My redbuds are covered with fairly dry seed pods and I'd like to gather some. What is the best time to harvest them? I'm in Mid-Missouri, Zone 5.

Thanks,

-Malcolm White

 

[Jay Banks]

You can start them from seed , but the seed coat is very hard and must be scarified with sulfuric acid for 30 mins, than follow with 5-8 weeks of 41 F degree temps.

Good luck.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

And they are eddible

 

[Jay Banks]

Before or after the acid wash?

 

[syncom2]

Last fall I gathered up and shallowly planted some Red Bud seeds from three or four different trees from my immediate area. Unfortunately, not a one of them sprung-forth into a little seedling this year. I was wondering if maybe it might take the cold spells of two winters to kick them into gear next spring? mb

 

[Jay Banks]

I would guess the seed coat must break down before germination. And the sedds may remain viable for several years.

The acid wash is used to speed up the break down of the seed coat, but I'm not an expert on plant propagation.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Maybe they have to pass through an animal gut to become viable?