Redbud trees are highly decorative through their colorful and pleasantly smelling flowers in the spring, and yellow colored leaves in the autumn. So they are going to be not once, but twice decorative throughout the year. The best part about these trees is that they are very versatile and resistant. They can endure warm and cold climate at the same time, not being bothered to stay outside even when the weather is not that favorable.
Not a Tall Tree
The Redbud tree is not a very tall tree, reaching only a maximum of 30 feet in height, but when they bloom in spring, they are very decorative, as flowers surround all branches, even before the appearance of leaves. An interesting fact is that Redbud flowers can be eaten, and will add a speck of color to your salads, and a taste of nuts as well.
Grow Them From Seeds
Since this shrub is a distant cousin of the common pea plant, it is very easy to grow your Redbud tree out of seeds. They produce pods, just like the peas, which are ready to be collected in autumn, when the pod is brown and dried. Again, if you collect the pods when they are green and young, you can cook and serve them just as any other type of pods.
Collecting the Seed Pods
However, if you need seeds to grow a Redbud tree, then you will have to leave the pods on the tree until autumn, to collect them. Take the pods and collect the seeds inside. Put them in a jar, which will be sealed by a cap, and store them in the fridge. By mid-February, around Valentine’s Day, take the jar out of the refrigerator.
Sanding the Seeds
Next, you will need to rub the seeds with a bit of sandpaper. The process may sound rough, but the seed has a hard outer layer, and removing a part of it will encourage germination. After sanding the seeds, put some water in a kettle and boil it. Remove the kettle from the heat source and put the seeds in it. Let them sit in the water for four days, to get the rough coat soften and absorb enough water.
Store Seeds in Winter
After this period, take the seeds and plant them in small receptacles with sand, which have been moistened, or soil for pots, a quarter inch deep. Now you will need to have patience, for about five to eight weeks you will store the seeds like this in the fridge or an unheated enclosure. If you live in an area where winters are cold, you can even put the pots outside. But do protect them against curious birds.
Plant in the Spring
Once the weather starts warming in the spring, you can take the pots outside and allow them to enjoy a bit of warmth. By now, they should be ready to germinate. When the sprouts are large enough, you can easily plant them in a permanent place in your garden. The Redbud tree grows rather fast, so it won’t be too long until the little plant reaches maturity. Just make sure you water them enough, especially when a drier period occurs, with no rain.
