Swamp Tupelo Nyssa biflora 20 Seeds USA Company

The Swamp Tupelo is a deciduous tree that is closely related to the Blackgum, Nyssa sylvatica. Whereas the blackgum is a tree of mesic woodlands, the swamp tupelo is a denizen of southern swamps. It has a narrow, pyramidal form and a straight, leaning or crooked trunk that is enlarged at the base, like the trunks of bald cypress trees. Small, light green male and female flowers are produced on separate tree in the spring. The flowers are a source of nectar for tupelo honey. Fruits are oval, blue, berry-like drupes that are in pairs on long stalks. The fruits attract birds and other wildlife. They are edible and are used in preserves. The leaves turn red in the autumn. It is widely grown in the south for its attractive foliage, its fall color and its tolerance of wet soils.

Growing Instructions for the Swamp Tupelo

The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. 2. Put the seeds in a ziplock bag. 3. Put the bag in the refrigerator for 2 months. 4. The seeds like moist soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot. 5. Sow the seeds on the soil. 6. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. 7. Water the soil. 8. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.