The fruit of the cypress tree, also known as the bald cypress, is a round cone-like structure. It is typically harvested in the fall, before it has a chance to open. This is important because once the fruit opens, the seeds may disperse and it becomes more difficult to collect them.
When harvesting the fruit, it is best to allow it to dry before attempting to break it apart. This allows the fruit to harden slightly, making it easier to handle and separate the seeds. The drying process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the environmental conditions.
Once the fruit has dried, you can begin to break it apart to access the seeds. However, this can be a bit challenging as the seeds are often tightly embedded within the resinous fruit part. It may require some patience and careful handling to separate the seeds from the fruit.
I have found that gently squeezing the dried fruit cone can help loosen the seeds. You can also try using your fingers or a small tool to pry the fruit open. It is important to be gentle during this process to avoid damaging the seeds.
As you break apart the fruit, you will notice that the seeds are typically small and brown in color. They may still be slightly sticky, as they can retain some of the resinous substance from the fruit. This stickiness can be a bit of a challenge when it comes to sowing the seeds, as they may clump together.
To sow the seeds, you can try separating them as best as possible. However, it is not necessary to completely remove all the resinous fruit part from the seeds. In fact, planting the seeds along with some of the fruit residue can actually be beneficial, as it can provide some nutrients and protection for the seeds as they germinate.
When sowing the seeds, it is important to choose a well-draining soil mix that is suitable for seed germination. You can plant the seeds in small pots or seed trays, making sure to provide enough space for each seed to grow. It is recommended to plant the seeds at a depth of about twice their size.
After planting, water the seeds gently and keep the soil consistently moist, but not overly saturated. Place the pots or trays in a warm and sunny location, as this will help promote germination. It may take several weeks or even months for the seeds to germinate, so be patient and continue to provide the necessary care.
In my personal experience, I have found that collecting and sowing bald cypress seeds can be a rewarding process. The unique shape and structure of the fruit make it an interesting and somewhat challenging task to harvest and separate the seeds. However, with a bit of time and effort, it is possible to successfully grow bald cypress trees from their fruit.
