Florida Dogwood Seeds (Cornus florida) - 5 Seeds for Planting

Florida Dogwood (Cornus florida) is a beloved ornamental tree known for its elegant white and pink blooms that appear in spring before the leaves emerge. This native North American tree adds year-round beauty to any landscape with its showy flowers, attractive foliage, and vibrant fall color. It is a wonderful choice for woodland gardens, specimen plantings, or as a understory tree in partially shaded areas.

Growing Florida Dogwood from seeds is a rewarding project for gardeners looking to cultivate a long-lived, graceful tree. The seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy, making them ideal for fall planting or winter sowing. With patience and proper care, you can enjoy the stunning spring display and the wildlife benefits this tree provides.

Plant Features

• Produces elegant white and pink blooms in spring
• Attractive green foliage turns reddish-purple in fall
• Provides food and shelter for birds and pollinators
• Native to North America and well-suited to woodland gardens
• Can be grown as a small to medium-sized ornamental tree

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Cornus florida
• Plant Type: Deciduous flowering tree
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, acidic, moist soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Growth Habit: Upright, spreading canopy
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Bloom Season: Spring
• Mature Height: 15-30 feet
• Germination Requirements: Cold stratification required; sow in fall or stratify for 3-4 months
• Spacing: 15-20 feet apart

Planting & Care

To grow Florida Dogwood from seeds, start by stratifying the seeds to break dormancy. You can sow them outdoors in fall in a prepared seedbed, or mix seeds with moist sand and refrigerate for 3-4 months before planting indoors. After stratification, sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a temperature around 70°F. Germination can be slow and irregular, often taking several weeks to months.

Once seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots and grow them in a sheltered location until they are large enough to plant in the landscape. Choose a site with partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil. Water regularly during the first few years to help establish a deep root system. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, but keep mulch away from the trunk.

What's Included

This listing includes 5 Florida Dogwood seeds (Cornus florida).