Gori
Sapling
Hi, everyone
I've been interested in growing London Plane tree for a few years now, but did not have any luck. Collected seeds, stratified or collected in spring and planted in boxes and in soil outside but had no germination. As it's the next seeds collection season, I wanted to put together the key steps and tips. I reviewed a number of sources for this tree and instructions vary. These are a few different versions summaries:
A. Collect seeds: in the spring. Soak for 24–48 hours. Soil: seed-starting soil or potting mix. Bright location. Keep the soil moist. Can cover the tray with plastic wrap
B Collect seeds: in autumn or early winter when they turn brown. Plant: immediately. Cover lightly with soil.
B2 Alternatively, keep the seeds cool and dry in the refrigerator for five weeks. Plant: in late winter or early spring. Soak for 48 hours.
C Collect seeds: in late fall, around November, before the seed pods start breaking up. From the tree or from the ground. Let the seed pods dry. Crush the balls to get the seeds. Soak: 24-48 hours. Sow in cold frames or indoor seed trays. Keep the soil moist, using a plastic cover and provide indirect light.
D Stratification: in damp paper towel or a mix of peat moss and sand in a plastic bag for about 30 to 60 days. Spring-collected seeds may not require as long a stratification period as those collected in late fall. Moisture : moist but not soggy. Planting: in well-draining potting mix 1/4 inch deep.
Bright location, temperature 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C).
I know London plane tree has low germination rate so to increase chances of germination, my plan is to split seeds in a few groups and handle them differently based on different combination of each variable parameter from the above instructions. Some groups will have seeds taken from trees and some collected from ground, some in spring and some in fall, some groups planted immediately, some kept dry in fridge and stratified, etc.
Separately, I will be checking for seedlings in the local plane tree locations in spring. Somehow I missed this option, at least at the right time.
Also, I wanted to try propagate them from cuttings. About 7 years ago I took about 8 in early spring and kept in water. Two of them got nice roots, but the leaves started looking unhealthy. Also, as I learned later, transferring plants with roots, started in water, to soil is a challenge. Anyway, those two cuttings did not survive. My previous year cuttings were planted in spring in cardboard boxes/soil, but all died. I should revisit the process carefully again. I think I was not able to maintain proper moisture.
There were some that I planted outdoors. Out of those, two looked alive until late fall. One actually produced 3 new healthy leaves, which, I think, is indication of some root growth, but the other one just kept whatever leaves it had. So I am thinking what would be the best point when I can transfer them to pots.
I found a recommendation that cutting method works best with young twigs that just turned wooden, meaning, probably late summer, whereas I always tried to cut them in early spring.
Separately I'll try American Sycamore.
Any comments/suggestions would be appreciated.
I've been interested in growing London Plane tree for a few years now, but did not have any luck. Collected seeds, stratified or collected in spring and planted in boxes and in soil outside but had no germination. As it's the next seeds collection season, I wanted to put together the key steps and tips. I reviewed a number of sources for this tree and instructions vary. These are a few different versions summaries:
A. Collect seeds: in the spring. Soak for 24–48 hours. Soil: seed-starting soil or potting mix. Bright location. Keep the soil moist. Can cover the tray with plastic wrap
B Collect seeds: in autumn or early winter when they turn brown. Plant: immediately. Cover lightly with soil.
B2 Alternatively, keep the seeds cool and dry in the refrigerator for five weeks. Plant: in late winter or early spring. Soak for 48 hours.
C Collect seeds: in late fall, around November, before the seed pods start breaking up. From the tree or from the ground. Let the seed pods dry. Crush the balls to get the seeds. Soak: 24-48 hours. Sow in cold frames or indoor seed trays. Keep the soil moist, using a plastic cover and provide indirect light.
D Stratification: in damp paper towel or a mix of peat moss and sand in a plastic bag for about 30 to 60 days. Spring-collected seeds may not require as long a stratification period as those collected in late fall. Moisture : moist but not soggy. Planting: in well-draining potting mix 1/4 inch deep.
Bright location, temperature 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C).
I know London plane tree has low germination rate so to increase chances of germination, my plan is to split seeds in a few groups and handle them differently based on different combination of each variable parameter from the above instructions. Some groups will have seeds taken from trees and some collected from ground, some in spring and some in fall, some groups planted immediately, some kept dry in fridge and stratified, etc.
Separately, I will be checking for seedlings in the local plane tree locations in spring. Somehow I missed this option, at least at the right time.
Also, I wanted to try propagate them from cuttings. About 7 years ago I took about 8 in early spring and kept in water. Two of them got nice roots, but the leaves started looking unhealthy. Also, as I learned later, transferring plants with roots, started in water, to soil is a challenge. Anyway, those two cuttings did not survive. My previous year cuttings were planted in spring in cardboard boxes/soil, but all died. I should revisit the process carefully again. I think I was not able to maintain proper moisture.
There were some that I planted outdoors. Out of those, two looked alive until late fall. One actually produced 3 new healthy leaves, which, I think, is indication of some root growth, but the other one just kept whatever leaves it had. So I am thinking what would be the best point when I can transfer them to pots.
I found a recommendation that cutting method works best with young twigs that just turned wooden, meaning, probably late summer, whereas I always tried to cut them in early spring.
Separately I'll try American Sycamore.
Any comments/suggestions would be appreciated.
also don't recommend sycamore or the London plane for bonsai... You'd be better off with a maple if you like their leaves very similar but maples can have smaller leaves
