Question
QUESTION: I saw you answer to Sue about growing Dogwood Trees from seeds.

I have several Dogwood Trees which are loaded with seed pods.  

You said in your answer to Sue that the seeds need to be exposed to temperatures of 40 F or below for at least 90 days before it will germinate.

We don't have 90 days of temperature 40 F or below.  Dogwoods are native to this area and I have two that came from volunteer planting.  

Will I waste my time trying to plant some of these seeds and how many should I plant to get one tree to grow?

Thanks


ANSWER: Hi Marshall,
Thanx for your question.  Where are you located and do you know the type of dogwood you have?  There are many varieties.  The ones growing in Zone 7 and warmer do not require 90 days of chilling.  My answer to Sue was a generalized answer and I apologize for any confusion.  In fact, there are some dogwood varieties that do not require a cold treatment at all.  Let me know where you're at and what kind of tree you have and I'll be more precise.  Thanx.
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I live in Middle Tennessee about fifty miles north of the Alabama state line.  I am sorry but I don't have any idea of their variety.  We purchased most five to ten years ago which are all pink.  We do have some woods on our property and there are several Dogwoods in the woods.  Two of the white ones around our house came from seeds which I assume are from those in our woods, but could be from birds from anywhere.  None of those purchased have extremely large blooms and probably came from nurseries in McMinnville, Tennessee which is near by.

Sorry that I can't be more specific.

Thanks,

Marshall

Answer
Hi Marshall,
Thanx for your question.  I did some research on-line regarding weather patterns.  I used to live in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. and there are enough days between November and March at or near 40F (usually evening and early morning temps) that will do the trick.  Granted that doesn't mean it is at or near 40F the whole day. I have a standard I follow for chilling many seeds that I base on the averages of what I've researched.  There are trees that grow in the Mid and Deep South that have low chill requirements.  For instance, some seeds only need 400-800 chilling hours which is 17-34 days.  So, I stand corrected.  If you are growing dogwoods from seed native to your area, you won't need 90-24 hour days.  But, if you plant the seeds outdoors in October, they should sprout in March or April or you can do it artificially in the refrigerator by placing the seeds in a damp paper towel and place this inside a plastic baggie and leave it in the refrigerator for 90 days.  Bring the seeds out after this period and plant in pots or separate cells and keep warm 75F.  Sprouting should occur in a few weeks.  I hope this helps.
Tom