Tree-mendous new seeds to try
Seeds harvested from five of the RHS’ more unusual trees are being offered to members five
This year’s RHS Seed Scheme opens to members on 21 November and includes Catalpa bignonioides AGM (Indian bean tree), Liriodendron tulipifera AGM (tulip tree), Paulownia tomentosa AGM (foxglove tree), Trachycarpus fortunei AGM (Chusan palm) and Trochodendron aralioides (wheel tree). The annual scheme, which has run for more than a century, gives members the chance to buy 10 packets of seed harvested from 180 plant species across RHS Gardens for £10. As well as trees, the list contains annuals, herbaceous
Tony Kirkham, expert on trees and Chair of the RHS Woody Plant Committee, encourages members to try growing trees from seed. “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 says.
There’s nothing better or more rewarding, especially for children.
“I’ve grown all the trees on this list – all are pretty reliable and grow easily in the UK climate. They can be sown at any time so you don’t have to wait until spring. They won’t need a heated greenhouse to germinate, but they’re better started under a
Planting trees, especially these trees, will also benefit the planet, he says. “By 2050 the predicted climate in southern Britain will be the same as it is in Barcelona today. We need to be looking at planting more non-native trees that are already growing in other countries with our predicted climate. The seeds on this list are all strong examples that I’d recommend growing for the future.”
Order your seed scheme seeds