Tree Seeds - Tips on Sowing and Germination

Tree seeds may be sown into individual containers or densely into a tray or large container.

The Department of Natural Resources, Queensland, advises that if the viability of the seed to be sown is low or unknown, or germination is slow, then sowing into a communal tray will allow dibbling out of the successfully germinated seedling with little waste of growing medium or space.

However, if the seed is known to have good viability and is likely to result in a quick and high germination rate (>85%), then sowing into individual containers will save on dibbling. However, pricking out may be necessary.

• Fill the container to about 10mm from the top with moist medium, allowing room for the seed and a covering of medium.
• Level the medium by shaking or knocking the container.
• Press large seed (greater than 10mm) halfway into the media.
• Sprinkle small seed lightly over the surface.
• Very fine seed can be mixed with dry sand and shaken out of a pepper pot to attain an even spread of seed.
• Cover small and very fine seed with a thin layer of sand (to about the thickness of the seed size).
• Gently water in the seed and keep it moist but not wet. The container could be covered by plastic or kept moist with a sprinkler/mister system.
• Most seeds germinate quicker during warm conditions. Early spring to early summer is generally the best season for germinating seed. Protect the germinating seed from frosts. If propagating in cool weather, gentle continuous warming of the germination containers will speed up germination but this is not essential.
• Place the containers of sown seeds in a shaded area (at least 50% shade).
• Germination periods (the time until the seed sprouts) can vary greatly.

As usual, get more information at Go Trees.