Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
(Moderate to challenging — seeds are abundant, but dormancy-breaking requires multiple steps)

Seed Collection Time:

Late summer through fall — typically September to November

Signs Seeds are Ready:

• Flat seed pods (legumes) turn from green to brown or purplish-brown and begin to dry and rattle

• Pods contain 4–10 hard, dark brown seeds

• Pods split naturally at maturity but may be collected just before opening

Tip: Shake a cluster — a mature pod will rattle when seeds inside are loose and dry.

Seed Collection Steps:

1. Collect dry, mature pods from the tree or just after they drop

2. Allow pods to air dry fully in a well-ventilated place for a week

3. Crack open pods by hand or gently crush to release seeds

4. Separate and clean seeds — store in paper envelopes in a cool, dry spot

Note: Each tree can produce hundreds of seeds — a little goes a long way!

Germination Tips:

1. Scarify seeds before stratification:

   • Nick the seed coat with a file or soak seeds in boiling water for 1 minute, then cool

2. Follow with cold moist stratification for 5–8 weeks (35–40°F)

3. Sow in well-draining soil in spring after stratification

4. Germination in 3–6 weeks, often erratic

Note: Without both scarification and stratification, germination is typically poor.