Question
Hi, Tom.

I know I just asked a question about planting Sycamore seeds directly in the ground, but now I have a question about Bald Cypress seeds.  I read some of your other answers concerning this, and they were very helpful, thank you.  Here is a link to a web site at the end of my question about planting bald cypress seeds, but I wasn't sure how accurate it was.  The article says that you simply place the seeds on top of the soil and keep the soil saturated.  In one of your other bald cypress answers you said that the soil should be moist but not boggy.  However, when i hear the word "saturated," I think of this as being boggy.  How wet does the soil need to be, and should I plant the seeds 1/4 - 1/2 inch below the soil or leave them on top like the article said?  Thank you.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2196620_sprout-bald-cypress-seeds.html

Answer
Hi Tim,
Thanx for your question.  Ask as many questions as you like.  The article is describing how to try to mimic the natural conditions in which a bald cypress seed will sprout.  Generally, the tree disperses its seeds when there is lots of water in the area.  The hard seed coat softes and swells up and then the water recedes and the seed sprouts in the remaining mud.  Just make sure your soil is moist but I would not have it be soggy.  Moist to me, means somewhat wet to the touch and definitely not dry on top.  You can put the pot inside a plastic bag to maintain humidity and moisture.  In the wild the seed does germinate in a muddy conditions but seedlings generally will not tolerate watery conditions which means the seed germinates after water has receded and the soil starts to drain.  So, with that said, everything I have studied indicates moist not soggy soil for germination.  Think of firm, yet moist soil compared to gooey, sticky mud.  Soil that is wet to the touch but doesn't stick to your skin like fudge or cake frosting.  I hope this helps.
Tom