Tree-mendous trees to grow from seed

Growing trees from seed is one of the most rewarding things any gardener can do, says Tony Kirkham, expert on trees and Chair of the RHS Woody Expert Group.

“I’ve been growing trees for 50 years, but it’s still so exciting to see them germinate and grow big enough to plant outside,” he explains. “There’s nothing better or more rewarding, especially for children.”

Many trees grow easily from seed in the UK climate, and most don’t need special equipment. “You can sow them at any time of year,” Tony advises. “They don’t need a heated greenhouse to germinate, but it’s best to start them under a

A cloche is a  small, portable, protective structure made of glass or rigid transparent plastic used to protect plants, especially overwintered and early vegetables, from wet and cold weather and to warm the soil before planting.

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Cold frames are glaze box-like structures made from brick or wood with a  hinged or removable, glazed, sloping lid. Useful to protect plants from cold weather over winter or acclimatise (harden off) young plants in spring and provide extra warmth for tender crops in summer.

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cold frame

As well as being satisfying, growing trees from seed benefits the planet. “By 2050, the predicted climate in southern Britain will be similar to Barcelona’s today,” Tony notes. “That’s why we should start planting more non-native trees species that are already growing in other countries with our predicted climate. The trees on my recommended list are all reliable, easy-to-grow, and strong candidates for the future.”

Tony’s top four trees to grow from seed

Looking for a good place to start? Tony Kirkham recommends these four trees for their dependable growth and year-round appeal.

Catalpa bignonioides AGM (Indian bean tree)

A medium-size deciduous tree with heart-shaped leaves and masses of pretty white bell-shaped blooms in conical panicles in summer.

• Height: 10m
• Spread: 8m
• Hardiness rating: H6

Discover more about this tree >

Liriodendron tulipifera AGM (tulip tree)

Large deciduous tree with unusual four-lobed leaves that turn yellow  in autumn. Bears tulip-shaped yellow-green flowers in summer.

• Height: 20m
• Spread: 8m
• Hardiness rating: H6

Discover more on this tree >

Trochodendron aralioides AGM (wheel tree)

A tree in its native Japan, in the UK this is a slow-growing evergreen shrub with candles of lime-green flowers held above whorls of leaves.

• Height: 4m
• Spread: 4m
• Hardiness rating: H3

Discover more about this tree >

Trachycarpus fortunei AGM (Chusan palm)

One of the hardiest of all palms, it has deeply divided fan-shaped leaves. Large arching sprays of golden flowers in late spring.

• Height: 8m
• Spread: 2.5m
• Hardiness rating: H5

Discover more on this tree >

How to grow and care for trees

From sowing and

Germination is the process by which a seed develops into a new plant. It starts with the seed coat absorbing water, expanding and splitting, which allows oxygen and water into the seed so its food reserves can be broken down and used by the embryo for growth. The first root (called the radicle) pushes into the soil to anchor the new plant in place and start absorbing water and nutrients. The first shoot (called the plumule) then grows upwards, out of the soil, towards the light.

How to plant a tree

How to plant a tree

Trees: growing in containers

Trees: growing in containers

Trees and shrubs: planting

Trees and shrubs: planting

How to grow trees

How to grow trees

How to stake a tree

How to stake a tree

Fan-trained trees: initial training

Fan-trained trees: initial training

Trees: formative pruning

Trees: formative pruning

How to prune a tree

How to prune a tree

Please note: Availability of tree seeds may vary and can be limited at times. It’s always worth checking with a range of reputable suppliers.