Black Tupelo Seeds - Blackgum / Sourgum
(Nyssa sylvatica Northern) Perennial. Zone 6. Native range—Ontario, Eastern North America. Cornaceae (Dogwood) Family. Also known as Blackgum or Sourgum, the oldest known Black Tupelo tree is over 700 years old! Trees provide a rich source of nectar for bees and their fruit are an excellent food source for wildlife. Fruit are also edible for humans, but quite sour and are often made into preserves.
Black Tupelo trees are slow growing, with a single main stem, growing 30 to 50 feet tall. They perform best in moist, well-draining soil, in full sun to partial shade. Their wood is hard and heavy and is often used to make furniture. The long taproot of these plants make them difficult to transplant. Leaves bring beautiful and colourful Fall foliage to any landscape. Native species.
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
For best results, sow seeds outdoors in the Fall, mulch beds (remove mulch once seeds germinate in Spring). If starting indoors...
SEED PRETREATMENT: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours. Then, mix seeds with moistened soil 4x seed volume. Place in a plastic bag or container.
STRATIFICATION: 90 days cold/moist (5°C). Place plastic bag with seeds and soil in your refrigerator, preferably in a veggie crisper. Inspect periodically for even moisture.
POST-STRATIFICATION: Sow stratified seeds 3/4” deep. Alternating soil temperatures during the day (warmer than 20 °C) and night (cooler than 20°C) can help germination. Water evenly and regularly.
GERMINATION: When all previously mentioned requirements are fulfilled, germination generally occurs in 30 days.
Stratifying Seeds Naturally Outdoors in the Fall
How to Stratify Tree Seeds Indoors
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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.