How to Propagate Katsura Trees From Seed

Katsura "Cercidiphyllum japonicum" is a deciduous tree native to Japan and China. The green leaves are heart-shaped with a tinge of red. In the fall, the leaf color changes to apricot-yellow. Katsura is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 4 through 8. The tree can grow to heights of 40 to 60 feet, with a spread of 30 to 50 feet. Katsura seeds can be picked off the tree before the pods open, or the seeds can be bought from garden supply stores or online. Start the seeds in the spring or fall.

4-inch and 6-inch pots
Seed-starting soil
Drainage rack
Container
Mister or sprayer
Clear plastic bags
Sand or grit (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Fill 4-inch pots or a tray with seed-starting soil.
- 2
  Water the soil thoroughly until water comes out the bottom drainage holes.
- 3
  Place the pots onto a drainage rack to allow excess water to drain into a container below.
- 4
  Sow the Katsura tree seeds thinly over the top of the soil. If you're sowing the seeds in a pot, place one seed in the center.
- 5
  Cover the seed with potting soil to a 1/16-inch depth. Grit or coarse sand will also work, because the seeds need light to germinate.
- 6
  Mist the soil or sand with a sprayer filled with water.
- 7
  Cover the pots with clear plastic bags, and place them in a bright location that remains around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 8
  Check the soil daily for moisture. Mist the top of the soil to keep it moist, but not soggy.
- 9
  Remove the clear plastic bag when the seed germinates. It can take two weeks or longer for the seeds to germinate.
- 10
  Place the pots back into the bright location. Water to keep the soil moist.
- 11
  Transplant the seedlings into 6-inch pots when they have their second set of true leaves. Plant the Katsura trees outdoors in a sunny location after one year.

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