Black Gum Tree Seeds
(Nyssa sylvatica) Deciduous Zones 4-9
Black Gum Tree, also known as Black Tupelo, is a beautiful native shade tree. It is one of the longest-lived species of hardwood found to thrive in Northeastern America.
A popular ornamental, Black Gum Tree stands out for its dark green, glossy leaves that display in Fall, a spectacular array of colour - from crimson, orange and yellow to purple. The grey, irregular ridges of its bark resembles alligator skin. At maturity, its height reaches 30-50 feet.
Black Gum Tree needs plenty of space to develop its huge taproot, so consider your planting location carefully. It also drops quite a lot of ripe fruit, which can be messy, so best to avoid planting near walkways or patios.
This leafy shade tree is popular with pollinators and birds. In Spring, its small flowers attract many small bees! The small, dark blue stone-fruit is sour and bitter and loved by small birds, in particular the American Robin.
The resilient, split-resistant wood of the Black Gum Tree has been used for making tool handles, pulleys, bowls, weaving shuttles, as well as pallets and firewood.
------------------------------------
Cold Hardiness: Zones 4 - 9
Edible: Fruit flesh technically edible, extremely sour and extremely bitter
Size: Medium
Growth Rate: Slow
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Native Plant: Yes
Germination: 60-80%
Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well-drained, loamy, acidic
--------------------------------
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
- Soak seeds in water for 24 hrs. Follow with 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. In pots, make sure to cover with light mulch or plastic to keep soil moist. We recommend you use standard potting soil for pots or a nursery bed. Sow seeds 3/4" deep and keep seedbed moist and humid. 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!
---------------------------------
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.
