neat!!

Karen

I expect my redbuds will sprout next year too. They can be tricky. Seems lots of tree seeds are like that. I still have calycanthus florida seeds sprouting.

token, I lost the little trees, but got my freshly picked and dried redbuds to sprout in no time by rubbing them about 20X w/medium sandpaper, set the seed into the folded sandpaper facing two sides, then rub, then planting them 1/2 inch deep or so in potting soil.

I didn't think that up myself. Somebody on a trees or another forum gave me that tip.

I transplanted them into pepsi bottles w/top cut off and drainage holes, fine all summer, blue paint got on them from painting the house, but didn't sink them into the ground for winter (had 25 trees), had them in a protected area by my front door. They all died.

I might try it again, but they say it takes 7 years to get to the stage where they will bloom.

That's neat about the winterberry the OP posted. This business is full of surprises. And disappointments.

That's really neat. Just wondering did you tend to it or forget all about it?

-StLGirl

I keep all my winter sowing containers on the East side of my house kind of up against the house and I do sprinkle them all with a hose when they seem dried out but I had pretty much given up on these old containers...they were just still there because I never got around to throwing them out. I still have a container that was supposed to be a flowering almond but that one looks like weeds are growing in it so I may throw it out. So I pretty much neglected it. Once I realized this one had sprouted I cut the top off so these seedlings can get more air and sunlight and now they will be easier to water too.
Joann

Congratulations! You have the patience of Job.

Karen

Awesome! I haven't had good luck with anything that takes two years to germinate. Some viburnums are like that and it's hard for me to remember to keep them watered that long.

Redbuds sprout in my mulch occasionally. They sent down some pretty deep roots and are hard to transplant if you wait very long. They're really hard for me to dig up in my rocky soil. You could try making a pile of mulch/compost in the spot where you want your tree to grow and just sow a few in place. I think they grow pretty fast. I'm sure I've had them bloom in less time that 7 years. That sounds too long. I think four is more like it, especially if they're in the sun. Not sure. Wish I wrote down when I planted mine.

What a great surprise!