How to Germinate Creosote Bush Seeds

Gather seedpods from an established creosote bush in early summer once they dry out and turn pale brown in color. Store the pods in a paper bag for one to two months, or until the seeds release into the bottom of the bag.

Store the creosote bush seeds in an airtight storage container inside the refrigerator until the following spring. Remove them from the refrigerator once outdoor temperatures reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.

Soak the creosote bush seeds in a bowl full of room-temperature water after the cold stratification period. Leave the seeds in the water for 48 hours. Drain them for one hour before sowing them.

Prepare a planting container while the creosote bush seeds soak. Combine 2 parts sand, 2 parts perlite and 1 part garden soil inside a 2-inch-deep seedling tray. Shake the seedling tray to settle the growing mixture.

Sow the creosote bush seeds 1 inch apart across the surface of the growing mixture. Gently press the seeds onto the surface of the growing mixture. Cover them with a very fine layer of sand.

Place the seedling tray outdoors under partial shade. Choose a spot where temperatures stay above 60 F during the day and 48 F at night. Avoid areas in full sun because the growing mixture will dry out too quickly.

Mist the creosote bush seeds using a garden hose with a misting nozzle until the top half-inch of soil is moderately moist. Maintain moderate moisture in the top half-inch of soil during the germination process.

Watch for germination in eight to 10 weeks. Thin the creosote bush seedlings to one every 2 inches as soon as they grow to 1 inch in height.

Transplant the creosote bush seedlings into larger nursery containers two months after germination. Keep the young shrubs in a sheltered spot such as a ventilated greenhouse or under a tree with light shade until the following spring, then plant them out into a permanent bed.