Calycanthus occidentalis seeds (Western Spicebush)

Description

Anemone-magnolia like flowers are more of a true red compared to its C. floridus cousin, with the same strawberry fragrance. Deer proof. Problem free.

• Seed Count: 12-15
• Collection Date: Aug 2016
• Hardiness Zone: 7-10
• Height and Width: 3m x 2m
• Preferred conditions:
• Germination test type: hand sort
• Family: Calycanthaceae

How to germinate Calycanthus occidentalis:

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.