Betula nigra

Germination

Seed packet may include chaff. Chaff can be separated from the seed or sown with the seed. Sow indoors at any time. Sow into a cold frame in autumn/winter. Birch seeds need a period of cold to germinate. Moisten and place damp seeds in a sealed polythene bag and place in the fridge, 4°C for 4 weeks. Mix seeds with a little sand to aid sowing. Surface sow onto firmed, moist, well-drained seed compost. Cover seed with 2mm of vermiculite or compost. Water and keep at room temp. Germination takes 30-90 days. Transplant seedlings when they have 2 true leaves. Grow on. Plant out when 2 years old in their dormant season. Can be sown into a cold frame in autumn where natural winter cold should offer ideal conditions for germination to occur the following spring.

Growing

Will grow in any situation. Ideal for damp ground.

Cultivation

Pruning group 1. No routine pruning necessary. Prune if needed in late winter or early spring. After pruning mulch and feed.