Liriodendron chinense seed

chinese tulip tree is a fast-growing, columnar tree that typically grows to 50-70’ tall. It is named for its cup-shaped, tulip-like flowers (same family as magnolias) that bloom in late spring to early summer. Cup-shaped flowers (to 1.5” long) are olive green with yellow at the base. Flowers begin blooming in May. Flowers are followed by dry, scaly, oblong, cone-shaped, brown fruit clusters, each bearing numerous winged seeds. Clusters disintegrate when ripe. Lobed bright green leaves turn golden yellow in fall. Genus name comes from Greek leirion (lily) and dendron (tree).

Stratify the seeds. Wrap the seeds in moist paper towels, and place the packets of seeds into small plastic bags. Place the bags into the refrigerator for eight to twelve weeks. Check on them weekly once you reach the initial eight week period, and remove any seeds that have sprouted. Tulip poplars have very long taproots, and require containers that are very deep. Fill the containers with nutrient rich potting soil. Plant the seeds. Dig out small depressions no more than a half an inch deep and insert one seed per hole. Water them in well, but do not allow the soil to become boggy. Place the container in a sunny location. Seedlings can be moved once they grow a set of true leaves.