Spice Bush (Lindera benzoin), packet of 10 seeds, Organic [INTL NO]
$8.95
Please note: Fresh seed currently in stock and shipping out for immediate planting. We will continue until the seed is too sprouted to sell.
Family: Laurel (Lauraceae)
Hardy to Zones 4 to 9
(Spicebush) Perennial deciduous, dioecious bush to 12 feet. Native to Appalachia and a most elegant member of the very pretty plant family known as the Lauraceae. Spice bush prefers shade to sun and moist, rich soil. In fact, and this story is a bit of an indulgence on my part, the plant was considered by the early settlers to be an indicator of rich soil, and many homesteads were located due to the proximity of these bushes. The plant bears glossy green leaves and waxy, spicy-smelling red berries. Traditional use (TWM): cold remedy. Plant prefers rich, moist to mesic soil in the part shade. Cold-stored seed. Sow with tip of seed pointing up in good, warm soil. Grow in pots for a year, then transplant the 12 to 18 inch seedling to the woodland or shade garden. Prefers rich soils, moisture. Plant 6 feet apart.
10 seeds/pkt., Certified Organically Grown
In stock
Janet Bailey (verified owner) –
I ordered these wonderful Spice Bush seeds last year and had great success. Seeds planted on 1/28/19 had all sprouted by 2/11/19 (fourteen days!).
By 3/26/19, I had large healthy seedlings (pic below) that I transplanted and grew on under the shade of our Laurel Oaks. Now healthy young trees are ready for our North Florida winter and for planting out in the spring.
Photo has been removed
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verastar (verified owner) –
Started these in peat pellets, of all things. Sowed 10 Seeds, and it’s been approx 3 weeks and I have 4 that are already about 2.5 inches tall with 2 true leaves and more coming along the straight strong stem. I figured that’s all I was getting, but suddenly 3 more sprouted a couple of days ago. Really enjoying watching these lovely seedlings come up.
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Admin Richo Cech –
good work, the seeds contain large amounts of fatty endosperm which will sustain them for some time without a need for nutrients from the soil. But eventually, they will need something more than peat to put their roots into.
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Jim –
Have these seeds been cold stratified? And you mention to keep them in pots for a year before planting in the woodland — would you suggest bringing pots indoors in the winter?
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hello Jim,
Yes, our spice bush are always kept moist and refrigerated–the seeds quickly die if allowed to dry out. This year was a particularly good year on these and we still have a few packets left–the seeds are splitting–please hurry. Regarding potting up, it is best to leave the young trees in outdoor or cold greenhouse conditions. They are from a cold zone and need to go dormant in the winter.
Richo
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