How to grow shrubs and trees from seed

Even the mighty Scots Pine can be grown from a tiny seed
Image: Scots Pine from Thompson & Morgan

Sowing your own shrubs and trees from seed is fun and rewarding. Not only do you save money on the more expensive container grown varieties, you can also reduce your environmental impact and ensure that your seedlings are acclimatised to your specific growing conditions. Here are some of the best shrubs and trees to raise from seed.

Want quicker results? Browse our full range of shrubs for more inspiration.

The best shrubs to grow from seed

Challenge yourself to grow lavender from seed
Image: Lavender spicata 'Rosea' - Seeds from Thompson & Morgan/©Branded Garden Products

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to fill your garden with an interesting array of shrubs, there are plenty of seeds from which to choose. Here are some of the easiest shrubs to try:

• Lavender – try Lavender spicata ‘Rosea’ for unusual pale pink blooms, or French lavender for a really showy plant. The dwarf variety Lavender angustifolia ‘Mini Blue’ flowers in the first year after sowing.
• Buddleja – entirely unfussy and versatile, Buddleja davidii has long plumes of colourful, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators, and especially butterflies, to the garden.
• Orchid tree – usually grown as a multi-stemmed shrub, Bauhinia variegata has large butterfly-shaped wings and produces fragrant, bright pink, orchid-like flowers from late winter to summer. It’s best grown in a pot on a sunny patio, and brought into the greenhouse for winter. 

The best trees to grow from seed

Persian Silk Tree may look delicate, but it's perfectly hardy in the UK
Image: Albizia julibrissin - Seeds from Thompson & Morgan

Trees can take a little longer to raise from seed, but the satisfaction of starting one from scratch easily outweighs the inconvenience of having to wait. Here are some of the best trees to grow from seed: 

• Scots pine – a native tree, Pinus sylvestris makes a shapely addition to a rockery while still young and later a majestic statement in the garden as it approaches full height.
• Empress tree – Also known as the Foxglove Tree, Paulownia tomentosa features large clusters of fragrant violet flowers and exotic leaves. Awarded a RHS Award of Garden Merit, this tree grows fast, with single shoots growing up to 8ft in a season. 
• Persian Silk Tree – Bright and exotic, Albizia julibrissin has delicate, fern-like leaves reminiscent of a mimosa, and fragrant pink puffy flowers from June to August. Grow it as a multi-stemmed tree in smaller gardens or a single trunk specimen for something tall and showy. 

How to sow tree and shrub seed 

Getting your trees and shrubs off to the best start is easy. All you need is:

• A packet of seeds.
• A seed tray or a few small pots.
• Good quality seed compost.
• A warm spot indoors.

Soak your seeds, especially larger seeds, in water for a few hours prior to sowing. Follow these four steps when you’re ready to get them into pots:

1. Fill your pots. Fill your trays or pots with compost up to a couple of centimetres below the rim. Water the compost well and add more if the level sinks.
2. Sow your seed. Space your seeds out over the surface of the soil, or sow one per pot/module.
3. Move to a warm space. Cover the seeds with a layer of compost and move them into a sunny spot. Make sure they have a stable temperature of 18 - 21°C for germination.
4. Water. Water carefully using a rosette fitting to avoid disturbing the seeds. Keep the pots moist. 

Label your pots and trays with the variety and the date, it’s surprisingly easy to get mixed up. Expect to see germination within 3 months of sowing, although this can vary between varieties so patience is key!

Growing your own trees and shrubs from seed is highly rewarding. For more information and advice on growing shrubs, visit our dedicated hub page where you'll find lots of growing guides. And if you particularly like to grow from seed, our complete range of seeds has something for everyone.