Calycanthus floridus seeds (Sweetshrub)

Description

Unique flowers start off as dark maroon/brown buds then open to 5 cm wine red flowers look somewhere between a magnolia and lotus blossom but heavily petaled. Flowers have a wild strawberry fragrance. Interesting fruits resemble figs. Bruised leaves have a spicy scent. Nice yellow autumn colour. Deer proof. No diseases noted

• Seed Count: 15-20
• Collection Date: Dec 2017
• Hardiness Zone: 4-9
• Height and Width: 2m x 2m
• Preferred condition:
• Germination test type: hand sort
• Family: Calycanthaceae

How to germinate Calycanthus floridus seeds:

Pour one cup of very warm tap water over seed and soak 12-24 hours. Sow, barely covering seed, and tamp soil. Give 30 days cold moist stratification. Plastic cover greatly improves success. Move to warm site 15-22C. Days to germinate: 14-35. Easy way: soak in ‘Skookum Grow’ for 48 hours, then sow in a resealable baggie and provide warmth (20C) and some light. It starts germinating in 3-7 days. Transplant when a brownish hue on the seed root develops. Huge root system so use the appropriate sized container. Keep warm, moist (not wet) and give light. Seedling leaves look like green butterflies.