Question
I picked some seed from a mountain laurel tree and cracked the little shells to get the red seed out.  Can I now plant these in dirt and will a mountain laurel tree begin to grow this way?

Thanks.  

Answer
Joleen,
According to Michael Dirr's Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, "Seed should be directly sown on peat with lights to stimulate growth after germination; seedlings are extremely small and hard to work with so it is necessary to get some size to them."
I would start them off in pots inside the house or greenhouse for the first few years, until they are a respectable size to plant. Fertilize them lightly every 3-4 months to help speed up growth.
Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen