How to Grow Chinese Cedar from Seed: A Complete Guide
 
Chinese Cedar seeds are a unique and rewarding choice for gardeners looking for an ornamental, shade, or edible tree. Known for its aromatic young shoots and attractive foliage, Toona sinensis is a fast-growing and versatile plant. This guide provides detailed instructions on how to successfully germinate and cultivate this beautiful tree from fresh seeds.
 
Step-by-Step Growing Instructions
 
1. Seed Preparation and Stratification:
Chinese Cedar seeds benefit from a period of cold stratification to break dormancy and improve germination rates.
Place the seeds in a small, sealable plastic bag with a handful of moistened, sterile sand or vermiculite. Do not use soil, as it can contain pathogens.
Place the sealed bag in a refrigerator (not the freezer) for 30-60 days. Check the seeds periodically to ensure the medium remains slightly moist. This process mimics the natural winter conditions the seeds would experience.
After stratification, some gardeners also choose to soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours just before sowing.
2. Sowing the Seeds:
Use a well-draining seed-raising mix in a pot or seed tray. A mix with a high sand content or perlite is ideal to prevent waterlogging.
Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil, pressing them gently but not burying them deeply. They require some light to germinate.
Lightly cover the seeds with a very thin layer of sand or fine grit to help anchor them and retain moisture.
Water the soil gently with a fine spray to avoid displacing the seeds.
3. Providing the Right Environment:
Place the pot in a location with filtered sunlight or dappled shade. Direct, harsh sunlight can dry out and kill the delicate seedlings.
The ideal germination temperature is between 20-25°C (68-77°F). A sheltered spot in a greenhouse, a warm windowsill, or a plastic wrap cover can help create the right conditions.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated. The top layer should not be allowed to dry out completely.
4. Germination and Early Growth:
Germination can be erratic and may take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks, sometimes longer. Patience is key.
Once the seedlings have their first true leaves, you can gradually introduce them to a brighter location, but continue to protect them from direct, intense sun.
Continue to water gently, ensuring the soil remains moist.
5. Transplanting Seedlings:
When the seedlings are about 10-15 cm tall and have developed a strong root system, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Use a high-quality potting mix. A slightly acidic to neutral soil is preferred.
Keep the young plants in a protected location for their first year, allowing them to grow and strengthen.
6. Final Planting and Ongoing Care:
Choose a final planting location in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Chinese Cedar is adaptable but thrives in fertile, moist conditions.
Water regularly during the first few years to help the tree establish. Once mature, it is quite drought-tolerant.
The tree can be pruned to shape it or to harvest the young leaves for culinary use. Harvest the new, tender shoots in spring for the best flavour.
 
Chinese Cedar (Toona sinensis) 25 seeds