Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum) seeds

Much sought after, beautiful, deciduous tree, attractive throughout the year, with lustrous, shining, dark-green, maple-like leaves which change to an outstanding crimson in autumn.

Easy to grow from seed (although germination can take up to a year) and fully hardy when mature. Will need frost protection for the first couple of winters.

Hardy Tree
Height: 20m if not pruned
Position: Sun or semi-shade

Packet of 20 seeds

GROWING GUIDE

Pre-sowing Treatment: Soak the seeds in water which starts off hand hot for 24 hours.

Sowing Instructions: Sow at any time of the year. Sow thinly in pots or trays of moist,  seed compost, eg John Innes, and cover lightly.  Do not exclude light completely as it is beneficial to germination. Seal pots in a polythene bag and place in the fridge for 12 weeks. After this, move to a propagator or other warm place and maintain an optimum temperature of 18-23C. Germination can be erratic and can take anywhere from 14 days to a year.

An alternative method is to sow the seeds as above and place them in a coldframe or other sheltered spot outside and let nature take its course.

Growing Instructions: Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm pots. The little trees are best grown on for a year or two in pots and protected from frost for at least the first winter. Care should also be taken to protect them from late spring frosts which can be very damaging. Plant out once established in a sunny position.