15 Tree Seeds for Sale That Are Easy to Grow

Growing trees from seed is an affordable and rewarding way to add beauty, shade, privacy, and wildlife habitat to your property. Although some tree seeds require complicated preparation, many varieties are surprisingly easy to start at home.

The key is choosing fresh, high-quality seeds and following the correct germination method for each species. Some seeds can be planted immediately, while others need cold stratification to recreate winter conditions.

Here are 15 tree seeds for sale that are excellent choices for beginners.

1. Eastern Redbud

Eastern Redbud is a beautiful native tree known for its bright pink spring flowers and heart-shaped leaves. It generally reaches 20 to 30 feet tall, making it suitable for yards and smaller landscapes.

The seeds have hard outer coats. Soak them in hot water for approximately 24 hours, then cold-stratify them for 8 to 12 weeks before planting. Keep the soil consistently moist while waiting for germination.

2. Silver Maple

Silver Maple is a fast-growing shade tree with attractive leaves that appear silvery underneath. Mature trees can grow 50 to 80 feet tall.

Fresh Silver Maple seeds usually do not require cold stratification. Plant them shortly after collecting or receiving them because their viability can decline during storage. Cover the seeds lightly and keep the growing medium moist.

3. Northern Catalpa

Northern Catalpa is an impressive ornamental tree featuring large heart-shaped leaves, clusters of white flowers, and long seedpods. It can grow approximately 40 to 60 feet tall.

Catalpa seeds are simple to germinate and generally require no pretreatment. Sow them about 1/4 inch deep in a moist seed-starting mixture and place the container in a warm, bright location.

4. Black Locust

Black Locust is a fast-growing tree with fragrant white flowers and delicate compound leaves. It is tolerant of drought and poor soil once established.

Its seeds have extremely hard coats. Carefully nick each seed or soak the seeds in hot water for 12 to 24 hours. Plant the swollen seeds approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.

5. Mimosa Tree

Mimosa is a small ornamental tree with fern-like foliage and fluffy pink flowers. It performs best in warm climates and sunny locations.

Mimosa seeds have hard coats but are otherwise easy to grow. Soak them in hot water overnight before planting. Place the seeds approximately 1/4 inch deep and keep them warm and evenly moist.

6. Royal Poinciana

Royal Poinciana is a tropical tree celebrated for its brilliant red-orange flowers and wide-spreading canopy. It must be protected from frost and is often grown in containers in colder regions.

Nick the seed coat carefully or soak the seeds in hot water for 24 hours. Plant them approximately 1/2 inch deep in a well-draining mixture. Warm temperatures encourage faster germination.

7. Blue Jacaranda

Blue Jacaranda produces feathery foliage and spectacular clusters of purple-blue flowers. It is best suited to warm climates but may also be grown as a container tree.

The seeds generally require no complicated pretreatment. Plant them on the surface of a moist seed-starting mixture and cover them very lightly. Provide warmth, bright light, and consistent moisture.

8. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees are appreciated for their aromatic foliage, attractive bark, and rapid growth. Many varieties can also be maintained as container plants when they are young.

Because Eucalyptus seeds are often very small, sow them on the soil’s surface and press them down gently. Cover them only with an extremely thin layer of fine growing medium. Keep the container warm and provide plenty of light.

9. American Sycamore

American Sycamore is a massive native shade tree recognized by its mottled white, gray, and brown bark. It can eventually reach 75 feet or taller and needs plenty of room to mature.

Cold-stratifying the seeds for approximately 30 to 60 days can improve germination. Sow them shallowly and provide bright light, as the small seeds should not be buried deeply.

10. Tulip Tree

Tulip Tree, also called Tulip Poplar, is a tall native tree with distinctive leaves and yellow-green flowers. It is a good option for large properties with deep, fertile soil.

The seeds usually benefit from approximately 60 to 90 days of cold stratification. After stratification, plant them in deep containers because young Tulip Trees can develop long roots.

11. Colorado Blue Spruce

Colorado Blue Spruce is a popular evergreen with stiff needles that range from green to silvery blue. Its symmetrical shape makes it an attractive specimen, windbreak, or privacy tree.

Cold-stratify the seeds for approximately four to six weeks. Plant them shallowly in a well-draining growing medium and place the containers in a bright location. Do not allow the mixture to become waterlogged.

12. Norway Spruce

Norway Spruce is a fast-growing evergreen commonly used for windbreaks, privacy screens, and large landscapes. Mature trees develop graceful branches with drooping tips.

Although some seeds may germinate without treatment, cold stratification for approximately three to six weeks often produces more consistent results. Cover the seeds lightly and maintain steady moisture.

13. Austrian Pine

Austrian Pine is a sturdy evergreen with dark green needles and a dense growth habit. It tolerates wind, cold weather, and a range of urban conditions.

Cold-stratify the seeds for approximately four to eight weeks before sowing. Plant them about 1/4 inch deep in a loose, well-draining medium. Give the seedlings strong light after they emerge.

14. Aleppo Pine

Aleppo Pine is a drought-tolerant evergreen adapted to hot, dry climates. Its irregular form and light green needles give it a distinctive Mediterranean appearance.

Soak the seeds in water for 12 to 24 hours before planting. Sow them shallowly and provide warmth and bright light. A light covering of soil helps the seeds remain moist without burying them too deeply.

15. Windmill Palm

Windmill Palm has a tropical appearance but is considerably more cold-tolerant than many other palms. It develops a slender trunk topped with broad, fan-shaped leaves.

Soak the seeds in warm water for several days, replacing the water daily. Plant them approximately 1/2 inch deep in a moist, well-draining mixture. Germination can be slow, so keep the containers warm and be patient.

Tips for Growing Tree Seeds Successfully

Use clean containers with drainage holes and a high-quality seed-starting mixture. Garden soil can become compacted in containers and may contain organisms that damage young seedlings.

Read the germination requirements for each species before planting. Cold stratification, scarification, soaking, planting depth, and temperature can all influence the results.

Keep the soil moist but never saturated. Excessive moisture can cause seeds to rot and may encourage fungal diseases. A humidity dome can help retain moisture, but it should be ventilated regularly.

Once seedlings emerge, give them plenty of light. Gradually introduce indoor seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting them. This process, known as hardening off, reduces stress caused by sunlight, wind, and temperature changes.

Start Growing Trees From Seed

These easy-to-grow tree seeds offer choices for many different landscapes and climates. You can grow flowering ornamentals, towering native shade trees, handsome evergreens, or tropical varieties in containers.

Tree seeds require patience, but watching a small seed develop into a healthy young tree makes the effort worthwhile. Choose a species suited to your growing zone, follow its recommended preparation method, and enjoy growing a tree from the very beginning.