How to Plant Black Gum

Black gum, or Nyssa sylvatica, is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It can grow to 80 feet in height and the wood is useful for rough lumber and pulpwood. Landscapers also value black gum as an ornamental tree for its red and purple foliage in the fall. This tree grows easily from seed once the seeds experiences a period of cold known as cold stratification.

Paper towel
Plastic bag.
Garden trowel
Sawdust

Instructions

- 1
  Ensure that a black gum tree can grow in your area. This tree is hardy in US Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 9, meaning this tree grows best in areas where the lowest temperature of the year is between -20 degrees and 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
  Wrap the black gum seeds in a damp paper towel during the winter. Place the paper towel in a plastic bag and seal the bag. Store the plastic bag in a refrigerator for two to three months.
- 3
  Select a planting site for black gum trees in full sun. This tree can grow in a variety of soil types so long as it has good drainage. Ensure the planting site has protection from deer and other animals that eat black gum seeds.
- 4
  Place the black gum seeds on bare soil in the spring after there is no longer any danger of frost. Space the seeds about 3/4 inch apart and cover them with 1/2 to 1 inch of native soil. Cover the soil with 2 inches of sawdust.
- 5
  Water the black gum seeds regularly to keep the soil moist, but not soaking wet. The seeds should sprout within a month. Weed out the smaller seedlings as they grow to maintain space between the seedlings.

Variegated Dogwood Species

Ornamental Tree Yellow Flowers

Landscaping Trees