Carolina Allspice Seeds
(Calycanthus floridus) Perennial. Zones 4-9. Deciduous.
Also known as Strawberry Shrub, Sweet Betsy, Sweet Shrub, and Pineapple Shrub, Carolina Allspice is a deliciously fragrant plant from its spicy bark to its aromatic leaves and blooms!
Carolina Allspice is a nice choice for a patio, along a pathway, or near an entrance where the fragrance can be enjoyed. Its flowers smell like a blend of pineapple, strawberry, and banana! The leaves contain camphor, and can be used as insect repellent, perfume, and disinfectant. The aromatic bark can be dried and used as a substitute for cinnamon.
Its reddish-brown flowers appear in May at the end of short branchlets, and in summer, mature into brownish drooping fruits, or seed capsules, that persist throughout Winter. The glossy dark green leaves change to a bright golden yellow in Fall. The flowers are lovely in bouquets and all parts of the plant can be dried to make potpourri.
Carolina Allspice is incredibly easy to grow and tolerates a wide range of soils with good drainage. It is happy in partial shade. It is a wonderful shrub for all seasons and any garden
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Cold Hardiness: Zones 4 - 9
Edible: Yes
Size: Medium Shrub
Growth Rate: Medium
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Native Plant: Yes
Sun Requirements: Partial Shade *Full Sun impedes growth*
Soil Preference: Loamy, well draining.
Germination Rate: 60 - 80%
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GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
- Soak Seeds 24 hrs, starting with hot water then allowing it to cool to room temperature. Follow with 60-90 days cold, moist stratification. For more information on stratification, check out our article "How To Start Your Tree Seeds".
*If you are doing the cold period in your fridge, please check on your seeds. 90 days is an estimate & they may sprout sooner.*
- Plant stratified seeds in pots or a nursery bed using standard potting soil. Heat mats are NOT required & can hinder germination!
- Protect young tree seedlings from slugs, cutworms & rodents. Slugs especially can eat primary leaves as soon as they come up, so be vigilant!
*Excited about growing Flowering Trees from seed? Learn more HERE.*
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Available direct from Incredible Seeds, a Canadian Heirloom and Heritage Seed Company, offering only the best natural, non-GMO, open pollinated and untreated seeds, located in Mi'kma'ki / Nova Scotia.
