How to Grow Tree Seeds - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Tree seeds is one of the best ways to propagate trees. They are easy to germinate and grow, and they produce strong, healthy trees. There are a few things to consider when planting tree seeds, such as the type of seed, the age of the tree, and the time of year.

How to Grow Tree Seeds - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Blackberry
  • Blueberry
  • Cranberry
  • Gooseberry
  • Raspberry

Things to Know

  • How to Collect and Store Tree Seeds
  • How to Plant Tree Seeds
  • How to Grow Trees from Seeds
  • What Are the Different Types of Tree Seeds?
  • How Do Trees Produce Seeds?
  • How Long Do Tree Seeds Last?
  • What Are the Benefits of Planting Trees?
  • What Are the Disadvantages of Planting Trees?
  • Should I Plant a Tree Seedling or a Mature Tree?
  • How Do I Care for My Newly Planted Tree?

Related plant:
Herb Shrub Tree

Growing Steps

  1. For tree seeds, first step is to soak them in water for 24 hours.
  2. Then, after they have been soaked, remove them from the water and place them on a paper towel to dry.
  3. Once they are dry, plant them in a pot or seed starter filled with potting soil.
  4. Place the pot in a sunny location and water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
  5. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out so that only the strongest seedling remain.
  6. Continue to water and care for the seedlings, and transplant them into larger pots or into the ground once they are big enough.
  7. Water and fertilize regularly during the growing season.
  8. Prune as needed to promote healthy growth.
  9. Harvest the tree's fruit or nuts when they are ripe.
  10. Enjoy your homegrown tree!

Related plant:
Arborvitae Tree

Soil Condition

About soil condition, optimum soil temperature for tree seed germination is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Seeds won't germinate if the soil conditions are waterlogged or if the soil is dry and cracked. aeration is also important for tree seeds, so make sure the soil is loose.

Light condition

Similar to other plants, tree seeds need sunlight to grow. However, some tree species need more sunlight than others. For example, pine trees need full sun, while oak trees can tolerate partial shade. If you're not sure how much sunlight your tree needs, check with a local nursery or your county extension office.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for tree seeds is a temperature that is neither too hot nor too cold. A temperature that is too hot will cause the seeds to germinate too quickly and will not allow them to develop properly. A temperature that is too cold will cause the seeds to germinate too slowly and will also not allow them to develop properly. The ideal temperature for tree seeds is one that is slightly warm, such as 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant are 60-70% anything below or above this range will stunt the growth of the plant. Too much humidity will create an environment for mold to grow and will also prevent proper aeration of the roots which can lead to root rot.

Fertilizer Requirement

For the fertilizer, this family of plant requires a lot of nitrogen to help with vegetative growth. A good general-purpose fertilizer with a high nitrogen content will work fine. Make sure to fertilize regularly, especially when the plants are young. As for the root, it's important to keep the root ball moist but not soggy. Allow the top of the soil to dry out a bit between watering.

Plant Pruning

Pruning your trees is important to prevent damage and encourage growth. But did you know that pruning also helps tree seeds germinate? By pruning away dead or damaged branches, you create pockets of sunlight that reach the ground below. These pockets of sunlight help tree seeds germinate and grow.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. Trees can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or grafting. Seeds are the most common method of propagation, but cuttings and grafting are also used. Seeds can be collected from the ground or from the tree itself. Once the seeds are collected, they need to be cleaned and then planted. The best time to plant tree seeds is in the spring. Cuttings can be taken from the branches of a tree. The cuttings need to be treated before they are planted. Grafting is a process where a piece of a branch from one tree is grafted onto the trunk of another tree.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively slow. The majority of trees take several years to reach their full height potential. There are a few trees, however, that have a much faster growth rate. These include the eucalyptus tree, which can grow up to six feet per year, and the silver maple, which can grow up to three feet per year. Although these trees have a faster growth rate, they are not necessarily the tallest trees. The title of tallest tree goes to the coast redwood, which can grow up to 350 feet tall.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that they do not have enough water or they are not getting enough sunlight. If the seed does not have enough water, it will not be able to germinate. If the seed is not getting enough sunlight, it will also not be able to germinate.

Basics of Growing

  • Remember to plant your tree seeds at the correct depth.
  • Water your tree seeds regularly and keep the soil moist.
  • Fertilize your tree seedlings regularly.
  • Prune your young trees to encourage strong growth.
  • Be patient as it can take several years for trees to reach their full potential.
  • Choose the right tree species for your planting site.
  • Consider using native tree species that are adapted to your local conditions.
  • Resist the temptation to use pesticides or other chemicals on your trees.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases that could affect your trees.
  • Have fun and enjoy watching your trees grow!

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Source:
Trees from Seeds are an Option | Horticulture, Landscape, and ...
Germination of Tree Seed: Growing Trees Can Be Fun
Overcoming Seed Dormancy: Trees and Shrubs | NC State …

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