Planting your Dogwood seeds.

The flowering dogwood, aka Cornus florida, is loved throughout Charlotte, NC, for its white and pink blossoms and year round beauty. Growing your own dogwood tree from seed can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

Here's a comprehensive guide to planting and nurturing dogwood seeds in our local climate.

  • Why Plant Dogwood Seeds?

    Local Adaptation: Dogwoods grown from local seeds are naturally suited to Charlotte’s climate and soil conditions.

    Cost-Effective: Growing from seeds is a budget-friendly alternative to purchasing established trees.

    Personal Satisfaction: Witnessing a dogwood tree grow from seed provides unique fulfillment and connection to your landscape.

  • Best Time to Plant Dogwood Seeds in Charlotte

    The ideal times to plant Cornus Florida seeds in Charlotte:

    Late Fall to Early Winter (October–December): Seeds require a cold stratification period to germinate successfully.

Three to four months before you plant

Refrigerate your seeds. You read that right.

Refrigerating seeds with soil (stratification) mimics natural winter conditions, breaking the seed’s dormancy and significantly improving germination rates.

If you mix seeds with moist sand or peat moss and refrigerate in a sealed container for 3–4 months.

Ready to plant

Choose the Right Spot: Select a location with partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5).

  1. Prepare Soil: Mix organic compost into the planting area to enrich the soil.

  2. Planting Seeds: Sow seeds approximately ½ inch deep and about 6 inches apart.

  3. Water Thoroughly: Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.

  4. Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch to retain moisture and protect seeds from temperature extremes.

Caring for your dogwood

During the first year, help your seedlings establish strong roots and healthy habits.

  • Watering: Maintain consistent moisture, especially during the first year; reduce watering frequency as seedlings mature.

  • Thinning: Thin seedlings as necessary, leaving healthy, robust plants about 15 feet apart.

  • Protection: Use mesh or netting to protect young seedlings from wildlife.

  • Weed Management: Keep planting areas clear of weeds to minimize competition for resources.