Cypress trees, prized for their ornamental value and potential for long life, offer a rewarding propagation project for the patient grower. These majestic trees are often used in landscaping for their distinct form and foliage. Growing a cypress from a seed allows the grower to influence the tree’s development from its very beginning. This process requires distinct steps, beginning with preparing the seed and culminating in the young tree’s final placement in the landscape.
Seed Selection and Necessary Pre-Treatment
Successfully growing cypress trees from seed begins with proper selection and pre-treatment to overcome the seed’s natural dormancy. Cypress seeds are housed within small, round cones that change from green to brown as they mature, ready for collection in the late fall or early winter. After collecting the cones, allow them to dry completely in a warm, dry area, which causes them to open and release the seeds within.
Cypress seeds possess an internal dormancy mechanism that must be broken to trigger germination, often requiring cold stratification. This mimics the natural conditions of a winter season. To stratify the seeds, place them in a sealed container with a moist medium such as peat moss or damp sand. Refrigerate the container at about 40°F (4°C) for 60 to 90 days, checking the medium periodically to ensure consistent moisture. For certain cypress varieties like the Bald Cypress, an initial soak in hot water for one to two hours can help soften the seed coat, enhancing germination success.
Sowing Seeds and Container Setup
Once the cold stratification period is complete, the pre-treated seeds are ready to be sown into a sterile, well-draining planting medium. A good seed-starting mix should be used, typically composed of ingredients like peat moss, perlite, and sand, which ensures proper drainage while retaining sufficient moisture. Deep containers or standard seed trays with adequate drainage holes are appropriate for this initial stage of growth.
The cypress seeds should be planted shallowly, about one-quarter inch deep into the prepared medium. After placing the seeds, cover them lightly with the starting mix, being careful not to compact the soil too firmly. Before planting, the medium should be pre-moistened to ensure the seeds have immediate access to water. The goal is to create a consistently moist, but not saturated, environment for germination.
Managing Seedling Germination and Growth
The period following sowing is focused on providing stable environmental conditions to encourage the seeds to sprout and develop into healthy seedlings. An optimal temperature range of 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) is required to initiate germination. Maintaining this temperature consistently is important, as fluctuations can stress the emerging seedlings.
Once the seeds germinate, usually over two to six weeks, the young seedlings require bright, indirect light to grow strong and avoid becoming weak or “leggy.” This can be provided by placing the containers under dedicated grow lights or in a sunny window. Throughout this stage, the soil must be kept evenly moist, though never soggy, to prevent fungal diseases like damping-off.
As the seedlings mature and develop true leaves, they must be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions through a process known as “hardening off.” This involves slowly introducing the indoor-grown plants to direct sunlight, wind, and outdoor temperatures over a week-long period. On the first day, the seedlings should be placed in a sheltered, shaded outdoor location for only an hour, increasing the exposure time daily. This approach toughens the plant’s cell structure, preparing the young trees for transplanting to their permanent outdoor home.
Transplanting Young Trees for Permanent Establishment
The final step is moving the established seedlings from their temporary containers to their long-term growing location. This is best done during the tree’s dormant season, typically in the early to mid-spring, allowing the roots ample time to establish before the stress of summer heat. Cypress trees thrive in full sun, though they can tolerate partial shade, and prefer well-drained soil that ranges from slightly acidic to neutral.
When preparing the site, the planting hole should be dug two to three times wider than the seedling’s root ball, but only as deep as the root ball’s height. This width encourages new root growth into the surrounding native soil. The young tree should be set in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding ground to account for settling.
After backfilling the hole, the soil should be gently packed and thoroughly watered to eliminate any air pockets around the roots. Applying a two-to-three-inch layer of mulch around the base of the newly planted tree helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, but it should be kept a few inches away from the trunk. For the first few months after transplanting, a consistent, deep watering schedule is necessary to ensure the young cypress establishes a strong root system.