Use this reference to compare seed timing, seed treatment, cutting timing, vegetative propagation methods, difficulty, and practical nursery notes across 171 trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, flowers, food crops, and growing materials.
Timing varies by region. Match each protocol to your local frost dates, climate, provenance, and growing setup. Heated greenhouses, cold frames, and protected propagation spaces can shift dates earlier or later.
Plant propagation basics
Plant propagation index
The entries are arranged alphabetically. On a phone or computer, use your browser’s “Find on Page” feature to jump directly to a plant.
American beech
Fagus grandifolia
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall → spring
- Seed
- Keep nuts moist; cold-moist stratify about 90–120 days, then sow 1–2 in deep. Seed is recalcitrant-ish and loses viability if dried.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings are difficult. Use seed for species; grafting can maintain selected clones.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Use juvenile, healthy stock plants for best rooting; seed-grown trees may vary.
American chestnut hybrids
NUT TREESModerate from seed; hard from cuttings
- Seed timing
- Oct–Nov → spring
- Seed
- Keep nuts moist and cool; do not allow drying. Cold-moist stratify about 60–120 days and sow 1–2 in deep. Protect from rodents.
- Cutting timing
- Juvenile softwood trial only
- Cuttings
- Chestnut cuttings are difficult. Use juvenile softwood shoots under mist with strong IBA; grafting/budding is preferred for named cultivars/hybrids.
- Best nursery method
- Seed; grafting for selected clones
- Protocol specificity
- Crop group
- Key nursery notes
- For blight-resistance lines, keep provenance and parentage records.
American elderberry
NURSERY SELECTIONSEasy
- Seed timing
- Fall collection; sow outdoors or stratify
- Seed
- Clean pulp. Seed commonly has deep/double dormancy; use warm stratification about 60–90 days followed by cold-moist stratification about 90 days, or fall sow and allow natural cycling.
- Cutting timing
- Dormant hardwood Nov–Mar or softwood May–Jun
- Cuttings
- Hardwood cuttings 8–12 in with 2–3 nodes root readily; stick vertically with 1–2 buds above medium. Softwood tips also root under mist; light IBA optional.
- Best nursery method
- Hardwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Specific
- Key nursery notes
- Cuttings preserve berry/flower traits and are faster than seed.
American elm
TREE SEEDLINGSModerate
- Seed timing
- May–Jun; sow immediately
- Seed
- Collect samaras when they turn tan in spring and sow immediately; many American elm seed lots need no stratification.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Softwood cuttings from juvenile shoots can root under mist with 2,000–5,000 ppm IBA; clonal disease-resistant elms are commonly vegetatively propagated.
- Best nursery method
- Softwood cuttings for selected clones; seed for species
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Use juvenile, healthy stock plants for best rooting; seed-grown trees may vary.
American hazelnut
NUT TREESModerate
- Seed timing
- Sep–Oct → spring
- Seed
- Cold-moist stratify nuts roughly 90–120 days; sow 1–2 in deep and protect from rodents.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood Jun; layering spring
- Cuttings
- Softwood cuttings can root with mist and 2,000–5,000 ppm IBA; mound/stool layering or division of suckers is often more reliable.
- Best nursery method
- Layering / suckers; seed for genetic stock
- Protocol specificity
- Specific
- Key nursery notes
- Clone superior nut selections vegetatively.
American holly
TREE SEEDLINGSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall collection; long dormancy
- Seed
- Clean berries thoroughly. Warm stratify roughly 60–90 days then cold-moist stratify 90–120 days; some lots germinate in the second season.
- Cutting timing
- Semi-hardwood Jul–Sep
- Cuttings
- Use 3–6 in semi-hardwood cuttings; wound base and use moderate-to-strong IBA (about 2,000–5,000 ppm) under mist in perlite/peat.
- Best nursery method
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Genus
- Key nursery notes
- For berry production, label sex and clone known female/male plants as needed.
American persimmon
FRUIT TREESModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall fruit → spring
- Seed
- Clean seed; cold-moist stratify about 60–90 days, then sow 1/2–1 in deep in warm spring conditions.
- Cutting timing
- Species-dependent; usually spring/summer or grafting season
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings are difficult. Root cuttings/suckers can work; graft named female cultivars onto seedling rootstocks.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for rootstocks; grafting/root cuttings for clones
- Protocol specificity
- Crop/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Seedlings will be genetically variable; clone named cultivars.
American plum
HABITAT & SUPPORT PLANTSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall fruit → spring
- Seed
- Clean pits. Cold-moist stratify about 90–120 days; crack endocarp only if using controlled protocols and avoid damaging kernel.
- Cutting timing
- Species-dependent; usually spring/summer or grafting season
- Cuttings
- Softwood cuttings can root for some plum/rootstock types; most fruit cultivars are propagated by budding/grafting. Beach plum can also be softwood-cut.
- Best nursery method
- Grafting/budding; softwood cuttings for some plums
- Protocol specificity
- Crop/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Seedlings will be genetically variable; clone named cultivars.
Apple
FRUIT TREESModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall fruit → spring
- Seed
- Clean mature seed; cold-moist stratify about 60–90 days, then sow 1/4–1/2 in deep.
- Cutting timing
- Species-dependent; usually spring/summer or grafting season
- Cuttings
- Dormant hardwood/root cuttings are possible for some rootstocks but named apples are normally propagated by grafting or budding onto selected rootstocks.
- Best nursery method
- Grafting/budding
- Protocol specificity
- Crop/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Seedlings will be genetically variable; clone named cultivars.
Arrowwood viburnum
Viburnum dentatum
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall collection; often 2-season germination
- Seed
- Clean fruit. Many Viburnum have complex dormancy: use warm-moist stratification about 60–90 days followed by cold-moist stratification 90–120 days; some may require another warm period.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood May–Jun
- Cuttings
- Use 4–6 in softwood cuttings from vigorous juvenile shoots; wound lightly and use 1,000–3,000 ppm IBA in perlite/peat under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Softwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Genus
- Key nursery notes
- Cuttings are preferred for uniform nursery clones; seed can be slow.
Asparagus
PERENNIALS & FLOWERSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Late winter–spring
- Seed
- Soak seed 12–24 hr; sow 1/2–1 in deep around 70–75°F. Transplant crowns after a full season.
- Cutting timing
- Early spring
- Cuttings
- Not stem cuttings. Divide mature crowns carefully so each division has multiple healthy buds and roots.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for volume; crowns/division for cloning
- Protocol specificity
- Specific
- Key nursery notes
- Seed is economical but takes longer to size.
Aster
LANDSCAPE SELECTIONModerate
- Seed timing
- Varies
- Seed
- Verify exact species/cultivar. Use clean seed-starting mix; sow at a depth appropriate to seed size and keep evenly moist.
- Cutting timing
- Varies
- Cuttings
- Verify exact species/cultivar. Trial softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings under high humidity in a sterile, well-drained medium; use rooting hormone when appropriate.
- Best nursery method
- Seed or cuttings, depending on stock goal
- Protocol specificity
- General category
- Key nursery notes
- Broad catalog category; exact propagation depends on the species/cultivar sold.
Atlantic white cedar
Chamaecyparis thyoides
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate
- Seed timing
- Cone/fruit maturity → fall or spring
- Seed
- Extract very small seed from ripe cones; cold-moist stratify 30–60 days and surface/shallow sow with light.
- Cutting timing
- Late summer–winter
- Cuttings
- Juvenile softwood/semi-hardwood cuttings can root with mist and moderate IBA; keep media evenly moist, not saturated.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- For seedling production, seed is usually cheaper and faster than cuttings.
Austrian pine
TREE SEEDLINGSHard for cuttings
- Seed timing
- Cone/fruit maturity → fall or spring
- Seed
- Cold-moist stratify about 30–60 days, then sow shallow in spring.
- Cutting timing
- Late summer–winter
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings of most pines are difficult. Trial only very juvenile shoots with strong IBA and mist; use seed for normal production.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- For seedling production, seed is usually cheaper and faster than cuttings.
Autumn olive replacement: bayberry
HABITAT & SUPPORT PLANTSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall → spring
- Seed
- Remove waxy coating/pulp; warm stratify about 60–90 days then cold-moist stratify 60–90 days. Germination can be slow.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Semi-hardwood cuttings and sucker division can work; use juvenile shoots, wound and moderate IBA.
- Best nursery method
- Suckers / semi-hardwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Use local ecotype/provenance when producing restoration stock.
Beach plum
HABITAT & SUPPORT PLANTSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall fruit → spring
- Seed
- Clean pits. Cold-moist stratify about 90–120 days; crack endocarp only if using controlled protocols and avoid damaging kernel.
- Cutting timing
- Species-dependent; usually spring/summer or grafting season
- Cuttings
- Softwood cuttings can root for some plum/rootstock types; most fruit cultivars are propagated by budding/grafting. Beach plum can also be softwood-cut.
- Best nursery method
- Grafting/budding; softwood cuttings for some plums
- Protocol specificity
- Crop/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Seedlings will be genetically variable; clone named cultivars.
Bee balm
Monarda fistulosa
POLLINATOR PLANTSEasy
- Seed timing
- Fall–early spring
- Seed
- Surface sow; 30 days cold can improve uniformity but many lots germinate without it.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–early summer
- Cuttings
- Take 3–4 in nonflowering tip cuttings in spring/early summer or divide crowns.
- Best nursery method
- Division / soft cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Collect locally adapted seed where appropriate; vegetative propagation preserves selected forms.
Black cherry
TREE SEEDLINGSModerate
- Seed timing
- Aug–Sep → spring
- Seed
- Clean ripe cherries/pits. Cold-moist stratify about 90–120 days; sow 1/2–1 in deep. Keep seed moist during treatment.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer (trial)
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings are inconsistent. Use juvenile softwood shoots under mist with moderate IBA; seed is standard for restoration stock and grafting can maintain selected clones.
- Best nursery method
- Seed; grafting for selected clones
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Seed-grown plants are variable; keep provenance records for restoration stock.
Black chokeberry
Aronia melanocarpa
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Fall → spring
- Seed
- Clean fruit; cold-moist stratify about 90–120 days. Surface/shallow sow after treatment.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood May–Jul
- Cuttings
- 4–6 in softwood cuttings root readily with 1,000–3,000 ppm IBA under mist; suckers/division also work.
- Best nursery method
- Softwood cuttings / suckers
- Protocol specificity
- Genus
- Key nursery notes
- Vegetative propagation preserves berry color/form.
Black gum / Tupelo
Nyssa sylvatica
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate–Hard
- Seed timing
- Fall → spring
- Seed
- Clean fruit; cold-moist stratify about 90–120 days. Sow about 1/2 in deep.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings are difficult; use very juvenile softwood material with mist/IBA or grafting for selected clones.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Use juvenile, healthy stock plants for best rooting; seed-grown trees may vary.
Black huckleberry
Gaylussacia baccata
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate–Hard
- Seed timing
- Late winter–spring after fruit cleaning
- Seed
- Extract seed from ripe fruit, rinse and surface-sow on fine acidic peat/sand; provide light. A short cold-moist period (4–8 weeks) can improve uniformity for some lots. Do not bury deeply.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–mid summer
- Cuttings
- Use softwood or semi-hardwood leafy cuttings in acidic, well-aerated peat/perlite or peat/sand. Wound lightly and use 1,000–3,000 ppm IBA; maintain mist/high humidity and bottom heat around 68–72°F.
- Best nursery method
- Softwood/semi-hardwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Genus/species-group
- Key nursery notes
- Often slower than blueberry; trial juvenile stock and maintain acidic media/high humidity.
Black locust
HABITAT & SUPPORT PLANTSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Fall–spring
- Seed
- Hard seed coat. Scarify mechanically or pour hot (not boiling) water over seed and soak 12–24 hr; sow once seed swells. Cold stratification is usually not necessary after successful scarification.
- Cutting timing
- Dormant root cuttings; softwood late spring
- Cuttings
- Root cuttings 2–4 in long are effective, especially for black locust. Softwood cuttings from juvenile stock can also root with IBA.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for volume; root cuttings for clones
- Protocol specificity
- Genus
- Key nursery notes
- Black locust can spread aggressively; manage suckering and verify local sales guidance.
Black oak
Quercus velutina
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSEasy from seed; hard from cuttings
- Seed timing
- Sep–Nov acorn drop
- Seed
- Collect sound acorns at drop. Keep moist, never dry. Cold-moist stratify about 30–90 days (red-oak group) and sow 1–2 in deep in spring; protect from rodents.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring juvenile shoots (trial)
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings are generally poor/difficult for oaks. For clonal work, use juvenile softwood cuttings with mist/strong IBA, stool-bed layering, or grafting; seed is standard for seedlings.
- Best nursery method
- Acorns / seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species group
- Key nursery notes
- Grade acorns by float/cut test cautiously; maintain moisture during storage.
Black raspberry
BERRIES & BRAMBLESEasy
- Seed timing
- Late summer–fall
- Seed
- Seed has hard coat/dormancy. Clean fruit; scarification plus 60–90 days warm followed by 90 days cold is commonly used. Seed is slow and variable.
- Cutting timing
- Root cuttings dormant season; tip layering summer; leafy cuttings spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Root cuttings 2–4 in long in moist medium; black raspberry is especially easy by tip layering. Softwood cuttings can root under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Root cuttings / tip layering
- Protocol specificity
- Crop group
- Key nursery notes
- Use virus-clean mother stock for nursery production.
Black walnut
NUT TREESModerate
- Seed timing
- Sep–Nov → spring
- Seed
- Remove husks. Cold-moist stratify nuts about 90–120 days; sow 1–2 in deep and protect from rodents.
- Cutting timing
- Juvenile shoots only; grafting preferred
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings are difficult. Use grafting/budding for superior selections; root cuttings can occasionally produce shoots but are not the routine nursery method.
- Best nursery method
- Seed / grafting
- Protocol specificity
- Specific
- Key nursery notes
- Keep nuts moist during stratification; seedlings develop taproots quickly.
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
POLLINATOR PLANTSEasy
- Seed timing
- Feb–May / direct sow after frost
- Seed
- Surface or shallow sow. Fresh seed often germinates without treatment; 30 days cold-moist stratification can improve uniformity in perennial/native lots.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Basal/herbaceous cuttings in spring can root, but seed or division is usually simpler.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- For named cultivars/hybrids, saved seed may not come true.
Blackberry
BERRIES & BRAMBLESEasy
- Seed timing
- Late summer–fall
- Seed
- Seed has hard coat/dormancy. Clean fruit; scarification plus 60–90 days warm followed by 90 days cold is commonly used. Seed is slow and variable.
- Cutting timing
- Root cuttings dormant season; tip layering summer; leafy cuttings spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Root cuttings 2–4 in long in moist medium; black raspberry is especially easy by tip layering. Softwood cuttings can root under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Root cuttings / tip layering
- Protocol specificity
- Crop group
- Key nursery notes
- Use virus-clean mother stock for nursery production.
Blackhaw viburnum
Viburnum prunifolium
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall collection; often 2-season germination
- Seed
- Clean fruit. Many Viburnum have complex dormancy: use warm-moist stratification about 60–90 days followed by cold-moist stratification 90–120 days; some may require another warm period.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood May–Jun
- Cuttings
- Use 4–6 in softwood cuttings from vigorous juvenile shoots; wound lightly and use 1,000–3,000 ppm IBA in perlite/peat under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Softwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Genus
- Key nursery notes
- Cuttings are preferred for uniform nursery clones; seed can be slow.
Blackjack oak
Quercus marilandica
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSEasy from seed; hard from cuttings
- Seed timing
- Sep–Nov acorn drop
- Seed
- Collect sound acorns at drop. Keep moist, never dry. Cold-moist stratify about 30–90 days (red-oak group) and sow 1–2 in deep in spring; protect from rodents.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring juvenile shoots (trial)
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings are generally poor/difficult for oaks. For clonal work, use juvenile softwood cuttings with mist/strong IBA, stool-bed layering, or grafting; seed is standard for seedlings.
- Best nursery method
- Acorns / seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species group
- Key nursery notes
- Grade acorns by float/cut test cautiously; maintain moisture during storage.
Blazing star
Liatris spicata
POLLINATOR PLANTSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Fall–early spring
- Seed
- Cold-moist stratify 30–90 days; surface/shallow sow.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–early summer
- Cuttings
- Not stem cuttings. Divide corms/tubers in dormant season.
- Best nursery method
- Seed / corm division
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Collect locally adapted seed where appropriate; vegetative propagation preserves selected forms.
Blue flag iris
Iris versicolor
POLLINATOR PLANTSEasy
- Seed timing
- Fall / winter stratification
- Seed
- Fresh seed benefits from 60–120 days cold-moist stratification; sow shallow and keep evenly moist.
- Cutting timing
- Late summer–early fall
- Cuttings
- Not stem cuttings. Divide rhizomes; keep a healthy fan and firm rhizome section per division.
- Best nursery method
- Rhizome division
- Protocol specificity
- Specific
- Key nursery notes
- Division is much faster and preserves selected clones.
Blueberry
FRUIT TREESModerate
- Seed timing
- Late winter–spring after fruit cleaning
- Seed
- Extract seed from ripe fruit, rinse and surface-sow on fine acidic peat/sand; provide light. A short cold-moist period (4–8 weeks) can improve uniformity for some lots. Do not bury deeply.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–mid summer
- Cuttings
- Use softwood or semi-hardwood leafy cuttings in acidic, well-aerated peat/perlite or peat/sand. Wound lightly and use 1,000–3,000 ppm IBA; maintain mist/high humidity and bottom heat around 68–72°F.
- Best nursery method
- Softwood/semi-hardwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Genus/species-group
- Key nursery notes
- Keep media acidic; cuttings preserve selected fruit traits. Seedlings vary.
Boneset
Eupatorium perfoliatum
POLLINATOR PLANTSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Fall–early spring
- Seed
- Surface sow after 30–60 days cold-moist stratification; light aids germination.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–early summer
- Cuttings
- Basal cuttings or division in spring; maintain high humidity.
- Best nursery method
- Seed / division
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Collect locally adapted seed where appropriate; vegetative propagation preserves selected forms.
Bonsai stock trees
SPECIALTY NURSERYModerate
- Seed timing
- Varies
- Seed
- Verify exact species/cultivar. Use clean seed-starting mix; sow at a depth appropriate to seed size and keep evenly moist.
- Cutting timing
- Varies
- Cuttings
- Verify exact species/cultivar. Trial softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings under high humidity in a sterile, well-drained medium; use rooting hormone when appropriate.
- Best nursery method
- Seed or cuttings, depending on stock goal
- Protocol specificity
- General category
- Key nursery notes
- Broad catalog category; exact propagation depends on the species/cultivar sold.
Boxelder maple
MAPLESModerate
- Seed timing
- Sep–Nov → spring
- Seed
- Collect mature samaras in fall; cold-moist stratify about 60–90 days before spring sowing.
- Cutting timing
- May–Jun
- Cuttings
- Take softwood cuttings May–Jun from juvenile shoots; wound lightly, use 2,000–5,000 ppm IBA, root under mist. Some maples are much easier than others; grafting is preferred for named Japanese maple cultivars.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for seedlings; cuttings/grafting for clones
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Seedlings of named cultivars do not come true.
Butterfly milkweed
Asclepias tuberosa
POLLINATOR PLANTSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Fall–early spring
- Seed
- Cold-moist stratify 30–60 days, then shallow sow at 65–75°F.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–early summer
- Cuttings
- Root cuttings are more reliable than stem cuttings for many milkweeds; take dormant root sections or divide young shoots carefully.
- Best nursery method
- Seed / root cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Butterfly milkweed dislikes disturbance once mature; seed is usually the cleanest method.
Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSEasy
- Seed timing
- Fall or spring
- Seed
- Clean nutlets; usually little dormancy. Surface or very shallow sow with light and constant moisture; short cold stratification (30–60 days) can improve uniformity.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood May–Jul
- Cuttings
- 4–6 in softwood cuttings root readily under mist; use light IBA and a moisture-retentive but aerated medium.
- Best nursery method
- Softwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Specific
- Key nursery notes
- Do not let young plants dry; naturally wet-site adapted.
Cardinal flower
Lobelia cardinalis
POLLINATOR PLANTSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Fall–early spring
- Seed
- Tiny seed; cold-moist stratify 30–60 days and surface sow with light; keep consistently moist.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–early summer
- Cuttings
- Basal offsets/rosettes or soft stem cuttings can root in constantly moist media.
- Best nursery method
- Seed / division
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Collect locally adapted seed where appropriate; vegetative propagation preserves selected forms.
Cherry
FRUIT TREESModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall fruit → spring
- Seed
- Clean pits and prevent drying. Cold-moist stratify about 90–120 days; some species benefit from a warm period before cold.
- Cutting timing
- Species-dependent; usually spring/summer or grafting season
- Cuttings
- Softwood cuttings can root in some cherries, but grafting/budding or seedling rootstocks are more reliable for fruit cultivars.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for species/rootstocks; grafting for cultivars
- Protocol specificity
- Crop/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Seedlings will be genetically variable; clone named cultivars.
Chestnut oak
Quercus montana
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSEasy from seed; hard from cuttings
- Seed timing
- Sep–Nov acorn drop
- Seed
- Collect acorns as soon as they drop. Keep moist and cool; do not let them dry. White-oak-group acorns have little dormancy and may begin rooting in fall; sow immediately 1–2 in deep, protected from rodents.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring juvenile shoots (trial)
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings are generally poor/difficult for oaks. For clonal work, use juvenile softwood cuttings with mist/strong IBA, stool-bed layering, or grafting; seed is standard for seedlings.
- Best nursery method
- Acorns / seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species group
- Key nursery notes
- Grade acorns by float/cut test cautiously; maintain moisture during storage.
Chinese chestnut
NUT TREESModerate from seed; hard from cuttings
- Seed timing
- Oct–Nov → spring
- Seed
- Keep nuts moist and cool; do not allow drying. Cold-moist stratify about 60–120 days and sow 1–2 in deep. Protect from rodents.
- Cutting timing
- Juvenile softwood trial only
- Cuttings
- Chestnut cuttings are difficult. Use juvenile softwood shoots under mist with strong IBA; grafting/budding is preferred for named cultivars/hybrids.
- Best nursery method
- Seed; grafting for selected clones
- Protocol specificity
- Crop group
- Key nursery notes
- For blight-resistance lines, keep provenance and parentage records.
Chinese elm
LANDSCAPE SELECTIONEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Spring or fall maturity
- Seed
- Use fresh seed. Many lots germinate without stratification; if stored, 30–60 days cold-moist stratification can improve uniformity. Sow shallow.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood May–Jul
- Cuttings
- Take 3–5 in softwood cuttings from vigorous shoots; use light–moderate IBA and root under mist in perlite/peat.
- Best nursery method
- Softwood cuttings / seed
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Cuttings preserve selected ornamental traits.
Common milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
POLLINATOR PLANTSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Fall–early spring
- Seed
- Cold-moist stratify 30–60 days, then shallow sow at 65–75°F.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–early summer
- Cuttings
- Root cuttings are more reliable than stem cuttings for many milkweeds; take dormant root sections or divide young shoots carefully.
- Best nursery method
- Seed / root cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Collect locally adapted seed where appropriate; vegetative propagation preserves selected forms.
Common witch hazel
Hamamelis virginiana
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSHard
- Seed timing
- Fall collection; long dormancy
- Seed
- Seed has deep dormancy. Use warm-moist stratification about 60–120 days followed by cold-moist stratification 90–120 days; germination may take 2 seasons.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood early summer
- Cuttings
- Softwood cuttings can root but are inconsistent; use juvenile shoots, wound, 4,000–8,000 ppm IBA, mist and bottom heat. Layering is often easier.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for species; layering/cuttings for clones
- Protocol specificity
- Specific
- Key nursery notes
- Plan long lead times for seed-grown stock.
Coreopsis
Coreopsis spp.
POLLINATOR PLANTSEasy
- Seed timing
- Feb–May / direct sow after frost
- Seed
- Surface or shallow sow; many Coreopsis germinate without treatment, while some perennial species benefit from 30 days cold-moist stratification.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Take basal or soft tip cuttings in spring/early summer; keep under light mist.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- For named cultivars/hybrids, saved seed may not come true.
Cranberry
Vaccinium macrocarpon
BERRIES & WETLAND CROPSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Late winter–spring after fruit cleaning
- Seed
- Extract seed from ripe fruit, rinse and surface-sow on fine acidic peat/sand; provide light. A short cold-moist period (4–8 weeks) can improve uniformity for some lots. Do not bury deeply.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–mid summer
- Cuttings
- Use 3–5 in runner/upright cuttings inserted directly into acidic peat/sand; keep uniformly moist until rooted.
- Best nursery method
- Runner/stem cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Genus/species-group
- Key nursery notes
- Keep media acidic; cuttings preserve selected fruit traits. Seedlings vary.
Cucumber
VINES & CLIMBERSEasy
- Seed timing
- Feb–May / direct sow after frost
- Seed
- Sow fresh seed in spring; usually no stratification. Use 70–85°F; cover about 1–2× seed thickness (larger seeds deeper).
- Cutting timing
- Spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Generally not used commercially; take soft herbaceous tip cuttings only as a trial under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- For named cultivars/hybrids, saved seed may not come true.
Culinary herbs
VEGETABLES & HERBSEasy
- Seed timing
- Late winter–spring
- Seed
- Most annual herbs sow readily at 65–75°F; perennial herbs may need light or brief chilling depending on species.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Many perennial herbs root from 3–5 in nonflowering tip cuttings in a moist, airy medium; keep humid but not saturated.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for annuals; cuttings/division for perennials
- Protocol specificity
- General category
- Key nursery notes
- Exact method varies strongly by herb species.
Curly willow
LANDSCAPE SELECTIONVery easy
- Seed timing
- Late spring when seed ripens
- Seed
- Seed is tiny and short-lived; sow immediately on moist surface with light and constant moisture. Do not dry or store long.
- Cutting timing
- Dormant late fall–early spring; softwood spring
- Cuttings
- Stick 8–18 in hardwood whips directly into moist medium/soil with several nodes buried. Rooting hormone usually unnecessary.
- Best nursery method
- Hardwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Specific genus
- Key nursery notes
- Ideal for living structures and rapid liner production.
Cut flowers
PERENNIALS & FLOWERSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Late winter–spring / direct sow
- Seed
- Annual cut flowers are usually seed-grown; sow by species at the recommended depth and temperature.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–summer for clonal crops
- Cuttings
- Herbaceous tip cuttings work for crops commonly cloned (e.g., mums, coleus); many annuals are not worth cloning.
- Best nursery method
- Seed or clonal cuttings by crop
- Protocol specificity
- General category
- Key nursery notes
- Keep a crop-by-crop protocol once the production list is finalized.
Dangleberry / Blue huckleberry
Gaylussacia frondosa
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate–Hard
- Seed timing
- Late winter–spring after fruit cleaning
- Seed
- Extract seed from ripe fruit, rinse and surface-sow on fine acidic peat/sand; provide light. A short cold-moist period (4–8 weeks) can improve uniformity for some lots. Do not bury deeply.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–mid summer
- Cuttings
- Use softwood or semi-hardwood leafy cuttings in acidic, well-aerated peat/perlite or peat/sand. Wound lightly and use 1,000–3,000 ppm IBA; maintain mist/high humidity and bottom heat around 68–72°F.
- Best nursery method
- Softwood/semi-hardwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Genus/species-group
- Key nursery notes
- Often slower than blueberry; trial juvenile stock and maintain acidic media/high humidity.
Douglas fir
TREE SEEDLINGSHard for cuttings
- Seed timing
- Cone/fruit maturity → fall or spring
- Seed
- Cold-moist stratify 21–60 days; sow shallow in spring at cool temperatures.
- Cutting timing
- Late summer–winter
- Cuttings
- Juvenile cuttings can root but are difficult and may show plagiotropism; use seed for routine nursery stock.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- For seedling production, seed is usually cheaper and faster than cuttings.
Eastern red cedar
TREE SEEDLINGSModerate–Hard
- Seed timing
- Cone/fruit maturity → fall or spring
- Seed
- Remove fleshy cone coating; scarify lightly, then warm-moist stratify 30–60 days followed by cold-moist stratification about 90 days. Fall sowing often works well.
- Cutting timing
- Late summer–winter
- Cuttings
- Use heel cuttings from juvenile stock late summer–winter; wound and use 3,000–8,000 ppm IBA under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- For seedling production, seed is usually cheaper and faster than cuttings.
Eastern redbud
TREE SEEDLINGSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall → spring
- Seed
- Scarify hard seed (nick or hot-water soak), then cold-moist stratify about 30–60 days; sow 1/4–1/2 in deep.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Softwood cuttings can be difficult; named cultivars are often budded/grafted. Use juvenile shoots and strong IBA if trialing cuttings.
- Best nursery method
- Seed; grafting for cultivars
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Use juvenile, healthy stock plants for best rooting; seed-grown trees may vary.
Eastern white pine
TREE SEEDLINGSHard for cuttings
- Seed timing
- Cone/fruit maturity → fall or spring
- Seed
- Cold-moist stratify about 30–60 days; sow 1/4–1/2 in deep in spring.
- Cutting timing
- Late summer–winter
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings of most pines are difficult. Trial only very juvenile shoots with strong IBA and mist; use seed for normal production.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- For seedling production, seed is usually cheaper and faster than cuttings.
Elderberry
BERRIES & BRAMBLESEasy
- Seed timing
- Fall collection; sow outdoors or stratify
- Seed
- Clean pulp. Seed commonly has deep/double dormancy; use warm stratification about 60–90 days followed by cold-moist stratification about 90 days, or fall sow and allow natural cycling.
- Cutting timing
- Dormant hardwood Nov–Mar or softwood May–Jun
- Cuttings
- Hardwood cuttings 8–12 in with 2–3 nodes root readily; stick vertically with 1–2 buds above medium. Softwood tips also root under mist; light IBA optional.
- Best nursery method
- Hardwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Specific
- Key nursery notes
- Cuttings preserve berry/flower traits and are faster than seed.
English ivy
LANDSCAPE SELECTIONVery easy
- Seed timing
- Rarely used
- Seed
- Seed is uncommon in nursery production and seedlings vary; if fruit is available, clean and sow after a cool moist period.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Use 3–5 in tip or single-node cuttings; root in perlite/peat under high humidity. Hormone usually optional.
- Best nursery method
- Stem cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Specific
- Key nursery notes
- Check local invasiveness guidance before expanding production.
Fig
FRUIT TREESEasy
- Seed timing
- Rarely used
- Seed
- Seed is mainly for breeding; seedlings will vary and many cultivated figs require pollination types not present locally.
- Cutting timing
- Late winter hardwood or spring–summer softwood
- Cuttings
- Use 6–10 in dormant hardwood cuttings or 3–6 in leafy cuttings; stick 1/2–2/3 depth in perlite/peat or coarse media. Low–moderate IBA optional; keep warm and evenly moist.
- Best nursery method
- Hardwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Specific
- Key nursery notes
- Excellent clonal crop; label mother plants by cultivar.
Fig mother plants
NURSERY SELECTIONSEasy
- Seed timing
- Rarely used
- Seed
- Seed is mainly for breeding; seedlings will vary and many cultivated figs require pollination types not present locally.
- Cutting timing
- Late winter hardwood or spring–summer softwood
- Cuttings
- Use 6–10 in dormant hardwood cuttings or 3–6 in leafy cuttings; stick 1/2–2/3 depth in perlite/peat or coarse media. Low–moderate IBA optional; keep warm and evenly moist.
- Best nursery method
- Hardwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Specific
- Key nursery notes
- Excellent clonal crop; label mother plants by cultivar.
Flower bulbs
PERENNIALS & FLOWERSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Species-dependent
- Seed
- Seeds are possible for many bulb species but often take multiple seasons to reach flowering size.
- Cutting timing
- N/A for most
- Cuttings
- Use offsets, bulblets, scales, or division rather than stem cuttings, depending on species.
- Best nursery method
- Offsets / division / bulblets
- Protocol specificity
- General category
- Key nursery notes
- Maintain cultivar identity vegetatively.
Flowering dogwood
Cornus florida
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate–Hard
- Seed timing
- Sep–Oct → spring
- Seed
- Depulp ripe fruit. Cold-moist stratify about 90–120 days; some lots benefit from warm + cold cycling. Sow about 1/2 in deep.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood May–Jun
- Cuttings
- Take 3–5 in softwood cuttings from juvenile shoots; wound lightly and use 3,000–8,000 ppm IBA under intermittent mist. Root before shoots harden.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for species; softwood cuttings/budding for clones
- Protocol specificity
- Specific
- Key nursery notes
- Maintain good sanitation; Cornus florida is disease-sensitive.
Flowering vines
VINES & CLIMBERSModerate
- Seed timing
- Varies
- Seed
- Verify exact species/cultivar. Use clean seed-starting mix; sow at a depth appropriate to seed size and keep evenly moist.
- Cutting timing
- Varies
- Cuttings
- Verify exact species/cultivar. Trial softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings under high humidity in a sterile, well-drained medium; use rooting hormone when appropriate.
- Best nursery method
- Seed or cuttings, depending on stock goal
- Protocol specificity
- General category
- Key nursery notes
- Broad catalog category; exact propagation depends on the species/cultivar sold.
Garlic
VEGETABLES & HERBSVery easy
- Seed timing
- True seed uncommon
- Seed
- True garlic seed is rarely used in ordinary nursery/market production and requires breeding lines that flower and set viable seed.
- Cuttings
- Plant individual cloves in fall 2–3 in deep, or use bulbils from scapes; not propagated by stem cuttings.
- Best nursery method
- Cloves / bulbils
- Protocol specificity
- Specific
- Key nursery notes
- Use healthy, disease-free seed garlic.
Golden willow
LANDSCAPE SELECTIONVery easy
- Seed timing
- Late spring when seed ripens
- Seed
- Seed is tiny and short-lived; sow immediately on moist surface with light and constant moisture. Do not dry or store long.
- Cutting timing
- Dormant late fall–early spring; softwood spring
- Cuttings
- Stick 8–18 in hardwood whips directly into moist medium/soil with several nodes buried. Rooting hormone usually unnecessary.
- Best nursery method
- Hardwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Specific genus
- Key nursery notes
- Ideal for living structures and rapid liner production.
Goldenrod
Solidago spp.
POLLINATOR PLANTSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Fall–early spring
- Seed
- Surface sow; many Solidago lots need no treatment, though 30–60 days cold can improve some species.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–early summer
- Cuttings
- Divide rhizomes/crowns in spring; soft tip cuttings also root.
- Best nursery method
- Seed / division
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Collect locally adapted seed where appropriate; vegetative propagation preserves selected forms.
Gray birch
Betula populifolia
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate
- Seed timing
- Aug–Oct; sow fall or spring
- Seed
- Seed is tiny. Surface-sow with light; 30–60 days cold-moist stratification improves uniformity. Keep evenly moist, not waterlogged.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood May–Jun
- Cuttings
- Use 3–5 in softwood cuttings from juvenile shoots; wound lightly and use 1,000–3,000 ppm IBA under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Seed; softwood cuttings for clones
- Protocol specificity
- Genus/species group
- Key nursery notes
- Do not bury tiny seed deeply.
Gray dogwood
Cornus racemosa
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Late summer–fall
- Seed
- Depulp seed. Use about 90–120 days cold-moist stratification; some lots benefit from warm + cold cycling. Sow 1/4–1/2 in deep.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood May–Jun; hardwood Nov–Feb
- Cuttings
- Take 4–6 in softwood cuttings or dormant hardwood sticks. Wound base lightly and use 1,000–3,000 ppm IBA for softwood; root in perlite/peat under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Genus/species-group
- Key nursery notes
- Vegetative propagation preserves stem color/selected traits.
Greenbrier
Smilax rotundifolia
NATIVE VINESModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall collection / spring sow
- Seed
- Clean ripe fruit; warm + cold stratification is often needed and germination can be slow.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Rhizome/root division is generally easier than stem cuttings; young shoots may be trialed under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Rhizome/root division
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Seed-grown vines may vary; vegetative methods are faster for uniform stock.
Groundsel bush
Baccharis halimifolia
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall → spring
- Seed
- Seed is light and wind-dispersed; sow fresh or after brief cold stratification. Surface/shallow sow with light.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Softwood/semi-hardwood cuttings in summer with light IBA under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Seed / cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Use local ecotype/provenance when producing restoration stock.
Hardy kiwi
VINES & CLIMBERSModerate
- Seed timing
- Winter–spring
- Seed
- Clean seed, cold-moist stratify about 60–90 days, then sow warm with light cover. Seedlings are variable and sex is unknown until maturity.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood Jun–Jul; hardwood dormant
- Cuttings
- Take 4–6 in softwood cuttings with 2–3 nodes; 2,000–4,000 ppm IBA under mist. Hardwood cuttings can work but are slower.
- Best nursery method
- Softwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Specific
- Key nursery notes
- Clone known male/female cultivars; keep sex and cultivar labels strict.
Highbush blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum
NATIVE BERRIESModerate
- Seed timing
- Late winter–spring after fruit cleaning
- Seed
- Extract seed from ripe fruit, rinse and surface-sow on fine acidic peat/sand; provide light. A short cold-moist period (4–8 weeks) can improve uniformity for some lots. Do not bury deeply.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–mid summer
- Cuttings
- Use softwood or semi-hardwood leafy cuttings in acidic, well-aerated peat/perlite or peat/sand. Wound lightly and use 1,000–3,000 ppm IBA; maintain mist/high humidity and bottom heat around 68–72°F.
- Best nursery method
- Softwood/semi-hardwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Genus/species-group
- Key nursery notes
- Keep media acidic; cuttings preserve selected fruit traits. Seedlings vary.
Honey locust
HABITAT & SUPPORT PLANTSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Fall–spring
- Seed
- Hard seed coat. Scarify mechanically or pour hot (not boiling) water over seed and soak 12–24 hr; sow once seed swells. Cold stratification is usually not necessary after successful scarification.
- Cutting timing
- Dormant root cuttings; softwood late spring
- Cuttings
- Root cuttings 2–4 in long are effective, especially for black locust. Softwood cuttings from juvenile stock can also root with IBA.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for volume; root cuttings for clones
- Protocol specificity
- Genus
- Key nursery notes
- Black locust can spread aggressively; manage suckering and verify local sales guidance.
Hops
VINES & CLIMBERSEasy
- Seed timing
- Winter–spring
- Seed
- Cold-moist stratify 4–8 weeks, then sow at 65–70°F. Seedlings vary and may be male or female.
- Cutting timing
- Spring
- Cuttings
- Use rhizome divisions or basal shoots; stem cuttings can root but are less common for field production.
- Best nursery method
- Rhizomes / crown division
- Protocol specificity
- Specific
- Key nursery notes
- Clone female cultivars for cone production.
Hydrangea
NURSERY SELECTIONSEasy
- Seed timing
- Winter–spring
- Seed
- Seed is tiny; surface-sow on fine moist medium with light. Seedlings vary and are mainly useful for breeding/species production.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood May–Jul
- Cuttings
- Take 3–5 in nonflowering tips with 2–3 nodes; remove lower leaves, lightly wound, 1,000–3,000 ppm IBA; root under mist in perlite/peat.
- Best nursery method
- Softwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Genus
- Key nursery notes
- Cuttings preserve cultivar flower color/form genetics (soil pH may still affect color in some types).
Indiangrass
Sorghastrum nutans
NATIVE GRASSESEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Late fall dormant sow or Feb–May
- Seed
- Clean seed; many warm-season grasses germinate without treatment, but 30–60 days cold-moist stratification can improve uniformity in some native lots. Surface/shallow sow with light.
- Cutting timing
- Spring
- Cuttings
- Do not use stem cuttings. Divide vigorous crowns/clumps into rooted sections before rapid spring growth.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for volume; crown division for clones
- Protocol specificity
- Functional group
- Key nursery notes
- Warm-season grasses prefer warm germination temperatures after dormancy is satisfied.
Inkberry holly
Ilex glabra
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall collection; long dormancy
- Seed
- Clean berries thoroughly. Warm stratify roughly 60–90 days then cold-moist stratify 90–120 days; some lots germinate in the second season.
- Cutting timing
- Semi-hardwood Jul–Sep
- Cuttings
- Use 3–6 in semi-hardwood cuttings; wound base and use moderate-to-strong IBA (about 2,000–5,000 ppm) under mist in perlite/peat.
- Best nursery method
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Genus
- Key nursery notes
- For berry production, label sex and clone known female/male plants as needed.
Japanese maple
LANDSCAPE SELECTIONModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall → spring
- Seed
- Collect mature samaras in fall; soak 24 hr, then cold-moist stratify roughly 90–120 days. Some lots benefit from warm + cold treatment.
- Cutting timing
- May–Jun
- Cuttings
- Take softwood cuttings May–Jun from juvenile shoots; wound lightly, use 2,000–5,000 ppm IBA, root under mist. Some maples are much easier than others; grafting is preferred for named Japanese maple cultivars.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for seedlings; cuttings/grafting for clones
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Seedlings of named cultivars do not come true.
Joe-Pye weed
Eutrochium spp.
POLLINATOR PLANTSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Fall–early spring
- Seed
- Surface sow after 30–60 days cold-moist stratification.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–early summer
- Cuttings
- Basal cuttings in spring or crown division; keep humid until rooted.
- Best nursery method
- Seed / division
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Collect locally adapted seed where appropriate; vegetative propagation preserves selected forms.
Lantana
LANDSCAPE SELECTIONEasy
- Seed timing
- Late winter–spring
- Seed
- Clean seed from berries; soak 24 hr and sow warm (70–80°F). Germination can be slow and variable.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Take 3–5 in soft tip cuttings, remove flowers/lower leaves, use light IBA, root warm under humidity.
- Best nursery method
- Softwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Genus
- Key nursery notes
- Cuttings preserve cultivar traits; seed-grown offspring vary.
Lion's mane mushrooms
Hericium erinaceus
MUSHROOMS & GROWING MATERIALSModerate
- Seed
- Not propagated from seed. Use clean mushroom spawn (plug, sawdust, grain, or other species-appropriate spawn).
- Cuttings
- Not propagated from plant cuttings. Inoculate suitable substrate/logs with spawn; maintain species-appropriate moisture and incubation conditions.
- Best nursery method
- Spawn inoculation
- Protocol specificity
- General mushroom method
- Key nursery notes
- Track strain, substrate species, inoculation date, moisture, and fruiting conditions.
Little bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium
NATIVE GRASSESEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Late fall dormant sow or Feb–May
- Seed
- Clean seed; many warm-season grasses germinate without treatment, but 30–60 days cold-moist stratification can improve uniformity in some native lots. Surface/shallow sow with light.
- Cutting timing
- Spring
- Cuttings
- Do not use stem cuttings. Divide vigorous crowns/clumps into rooted sections before rapid spring growth.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for volume; crown division for clones
- Protocol specificity
- Functional group
- Key nursery notes
- Warm-season grasses prefer warm germination temperatures after dormancy is satisfied.
Lowbush blueberry
Vaccinium angustifolium
NATIVE BERRIESModerate
- Seed timing
- Late winter–spring after fruit cleaning
- Seed
- Extract seed from ripe fruit, rinse and surface-sow on fine acidic peat/sand; provide light. A short cold-moist period (4–8 weeks) can improve uniformity for some lots. Do not bury deeply.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–mid summer
- Cuttings
- Use rhizome divisions or softwood cuttings; lowbush types spread by rhizomes and clonal division is often efficient.
- Best nursery method
- Rhizome division / cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Genus/species-group
- Key nursery notes
- Keep media acidic; cuttings preserve selected fruit traits. Seedlings vary.
Magnolia
LANDSCAPE SELECTIONModerate
- Seed timing
- Varies
- Seed
- Verify exact species/cultivar. Use clean seed-starting mix; sow at a depth appropriate to seed size and keep evenly moist.
- Cutting timing
- Varies
- Cuttings
- Verify exact species/cultivar. Trial softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings under high humidity in a sterile, well-drained medium; use rooting hormone when appropriate.
- Best nursery method
- Seed or cuttings, depending on stock goal
- Protocol specificity
- General category
- Key nursery notes
- Broad catalog category; exact propagation depends on the species/cultivar sold.
Maleberry
Lyonia ligustrina
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall–spring
- Seed
- Surface/shallow sow cleaned seed on acidic peat; 30–90 days cold-moist stratification can improve uniformity.
- Cutting timing
- Early summer–early fall
- Cuttings
- Softwood/semi-hardwood cuttings from juvenile shoots under mist; acidic peat/perlite, moderate IBA.
- Best nursery method
- Cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Species/group
- Key nursery notes
- Maintain acidic media and avoid overfertilizing newly rooted ericaceous/native shrub liners.
Maypop / Passionflower
Passiflora incarnata
NATIVE VINESModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall collection / spring sow
- Seed
- Scarify lightly and soak 24 hr; cold-moist stratify 30–60 days. Sow warm. Germination may be erratic.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Take 3–5 in softwood cuttings in late spring/summer; use 1,000–3,000 ppm IBA under humidity. Root pieces/suckers also work.
- Best nursery method
- Root cuttings / softwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Seed-grown vines may vary; vegetative methods are faster for uniform stock.
Melons
VINES & CLIMBERSEasy
- Seed timing
- Feb–May / direct sow after frost
- Seed
- Sow fresh seed in spring; usually no stratification. Use 70–85°F; cover about 1–2× seed thickness (larger seeds deeper).
- Cutting timing
- Spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Generally not used commercially; take soft herbaceous tip cuttings only as a trial under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- For named cultivars/hybrids, saved seed may not come true.
Mixed landscape seedlings
LANDSCAPE SELECTIONModerate
- Seed timing
- Varies
- Seed
- Verify exact species/cultivar. Use clean seed-starting mix; sow at a depth appropriate to seed size and keep evenly moist.
- Cutting timing
- Varies
- Cuttings
- Verify exact species/cultivar. Trial softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings under high humidity in a sterile, well-drained medium; use rooting hormone when appropriate.
- Best nursery method
- Seed or cuttings, depending on stock goal
- Protocol specificity
- General category
- Key nursery notes
- Broad catalog category; exact propagation depends on the species/cultivar sold.
Mixed landscape trees
LANDSCAPE SELECTIONModerate
- Seed timing
- Varies
- Seed
- Verify exact species/cultivar. Use clean seed-starting mix; sow at a depth appropriate to seed size and keep evenly moist.
- Cutting timing
- Varies
- Cuttings
- Verify exact species/cultivar. Trial softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings under high humidity in a sterile, well-drained medium; use rooting hormone when appropriate.
- Best nursery method
- Seed or cuttings, depending on stock goal
- Protocol specificity
- General category
- Key nursery notes
- Broad catalog category; exact propagation depends on the species/cultivar sold.
Mixed privacy evergreens
LANDSCAPE SELECTIONModerate
- Seed timing
- Varies
- Seed
- Verify exact species/cultivar. Use clean seed-starting mix; sow at a depth appropriate to seed size and keep evenly moist.
- Cutting timing
- Varies
- Cuttings
- Verify exact species/cultivar. Trial softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings under high humidity in a sterile, well-drained medium; use rooting hormone when appropriate.
- Best nursery method
- Seed or cuttings, depending on stock goal
- Protocol specificity
- General category
- Key nursery notes
- Broad catalog category; exact propagation depends on the species/cultivar sold.
Moon flower
LANDSCAPE SELECTIONEasy
- Seed timing
- Feb–May / direct sow after frost
- Seed
- Nick or scarify the hard seed coat and soak 12–24 hr; sow warm after frost danger.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Soft tip cuttings can root in warm conditions, but seed is standard.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- For named cultivars/hybrids, saved seed may not come true.
Moss
PERENNIALS & FLOWERSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- N/A (spores)
- Seed
- Mosses reproduce by spores rather than seeds; sterile spore culture is possible but slow.
- Cutting timing
- Any cool moist period
- Cuttings
- Fragment healthy moss into small pieces and press onto consistently moist, shaded acidic substrate; maintain humidity until attached.
- Best nursery method
- Fragment division
- Protocol specificity
- General bryophyte
- Key nursery notes
- Avoid collecting wild moss without landowner permission or from sensitive habitats.
Mountain laurel
Kalmia latifolia
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSHard
- Seed timing
- Fall–spring
- Seed
- Tiny seed; surface-sow on acidic peat with light. A 30–60 day cold period can improve some lots; do not bury.
- Cutting timing
- Early summer–early fall
- Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings Jul–Sep; wound and use stronger IBA (about 4,000–8,000 ppm). Acidic, well-drained medium and high humidity are important.
- Best nursery method
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Species/group
- Key nursery notes
- Maintain acidic media and avoid overfertilizing newly rooted ericaceous/native shrub liners.
Mountain mint
Pycnanthemum spp.
POLLINATOR PLANTSEasy
- Seed timing
- Fall–early spring
- Seed
- Surface sow; 30–60 days cold-moist stratification is a useful default for native lots.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–early summer
- Cuttings
- Soft tip cuttings root readily; division of spreading clumps is easy.
- Best nursery method
- Division / soft cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Collect locally adapted seed where appropriate; vegetative propagation preserves selected forms.
Mulberry
FRUIT TREESEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Fall fruit → spring
- Seed
- Clean berries; cold-moist stratify about 30–90 days or fall sow.
- Cutting timing
- Species-dependent; usually spring/summer or grafting season
- Cuttings
- Hardwood cuttings in late winter or softwood cuttings in early summer root readily for many mulberries; use light–moderate IBA.
- Best nursery method
- Cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Crop/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Seedlings will be genetically variable; clone named cultivars.
Muscadine grape trial
VINES & CLIMBERSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Fall collection; stratify for spring
- Seed
- Clean seed and cold-moist stratify about 90–120 days. Seedlings are variable and not true to cultivar.
- Cutting timing
- Dormant Dec–Mar or softwood May–Jun
- Cuttings
- Use 8–12 in hardwood cuttings with 3–4 buds; stick with 1 bud above medium. Some grape types/muscadines root better by softwood cuttings or layering; use IBA as needed.
- Best nursery method
- Cuttings / layering
- Protocol specificity
- Crop group
- Key nursery notes
- Clone named cultivars; seed is for breeding/rootstock work.
Nannyberry viburnum
Viburnum lentago
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall collection; often 2-season germination
- Seed
- Clean fruit. Many Viburnum have complex dormancy: use warm-moist stratification about 60–90 days followed by cold-moist stratification 90–120 days; some may require another warm period.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood May–Jun
- Cuttings
- Use 4–6 in softwood cuttings from vigorous juvenile shoots; wound lightly and use 1,000–3,000 ppm IBA in perlite/peat under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Softwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Genus
- Key nursery notes
- Cuttings are preferred for uniform nursery clones; seed can be slow.
Native pollinator flowers
PERENNIALS & FLOWERSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall–early spring
- Seed
- Broadcast or tray-sow according to component species. Many native perennials benefit from 30–90 days cold-moist stratification; annuals often need none.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–summer for clonal species
- Cuttings
- Use softwood/herbaceous cuttings only for species known to root; otherwise divide or grow from seed.
- Best nursery method
- Seed mix; species-specific division/cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- General mix
- Key nursery notes
- Do not use one treatment for all components; separate species when uniform germination is important.
Native shade plants
SHADE & WOODLAND PLANTSModerate
- Seed timing
- Varies
- Seed
- Verify exact species/cultivar. Use clean seed-starting mix; sow at a depth appropriate to seed size and keep evenly moist.
- Cutting timing
- Varies
- Cuttings
- Verify exact species/cultivar. Trial softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings under high humidity in a sterile, well-drained medium; use rooting hormone when appropriate.
- Best nursery method
- Seed or cuttings, depending on stock goal
- Protocol specificity
- General category
- Key nursery notes
- Broad catalog category; exact propagation depends on the species/cultivar sold.
New England aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
POLLINATOR PLANTSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Fall–early spring
- Seed
- Surface or shallow sow; 30–60 days cold-moist stratification improves uniformity.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–early summer
- Cuttings
- Basal cuttings in spring or division every few years.
- Best nursery method
- Seed / division
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Collect locally adapted seed where appropriate; vegetative propagation preserves selected forms.
New Jersey tea
HABITAT & SUPPORT PLANTSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall → spring
- Seed
- Hard seed coat: scarify with hot water or mechanical nicking, then cold-moist stratify about 30–60 days.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Softwood cuttings in early summer under mist with moderate IBA; success is variable.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Use local ecotype/provenance when producing restoration stock.
Norway spruce
TREE SEEDLINGSHard for cuttings
- Seed timing
- Cone/fruit maturity → fall or spring
- Seed
- Dry cones until scales open; clean seed. 21–30 days cold-moist stratification improves speed/uniformity; sow shallow at 60–70°F.
- Cutting timing
- Late summer–winter
- Cuttings
- Use current-season cuttings from juvenile stock in late summer/fall; wound base and use 4,000–8,000 ppm IBA, bottom heat, high humidity. Slow.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- For seedling production, seed is usually cheaper and faster than cuttings.
Oak logs
MUSHROOMS & GROWING MATERIALSModerate
- Seed
- Not propagated from seed. Use clean mushroom spawn (plug, sawdust, grain, or other species-appropriate spawn).
- Cuttings
- Not propagated from plant cuttings. Inoculate suitable substrate/logs with spawn; maintain species-appropriate moisture and incubation conditions.
- Best nursery method
- Spawn inoculation
- Protocol specificity
- General mushroom method
- Key nursery notes
- Track strain, substrate species, inoculation date, moisture, and fruiting conditions.
Oyster mushrooms
Pleurotus spp.
MUSHROOMS & GROWING MATERIALSModerate
- Seed
- Not propagated from seed. Use clean mushroom spawn (plug, sawdust, grain, or other species-appropriate spawn).
- Cuttings
- Not propagated from plant cuttings. Inoculate suitable substrate/logs with spawn; maintain species-appropriate moisture and incubation conditions.
- Best nursery method
- Spawn inoculation
- Protocol specificity
- General mushroom method
- Key nursery notes
- Track strain, substrate species, inoculation date, moisture, and fruiting conditions.
Pawpaw
FRUIT TREESModerate–Hard
- Seed timing
- Fall fruit → spring
- Seed
- Never let seed dry. Cold-moist stratify about 90–120 days, then sow 1 in deep warm (75–85°F). Germination is slow and root emerges before shoot.
- Cutting timing
- Species-dependent; usually spring/summer or grafting season
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings are very difficult. Use seed for rootstocks and graft superior cultivars; root suckers from own-root trees can be divided carefully.
- Best nursery method
- Seed + grafting
- Protocol specificity
- Crop/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Seed is recalcitrant—store moist and cold, never dry or freeze.
Peach
FRUIT TREESModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall fruit → spring
- Seed
- Clean pits. Cold-moist stratify about 90–120 days; crack endocarp only if using controlled protocols and avoid damaging kernel.
- Cutting timing
- Species-dependent; usually spring/summer or grafting season
- Cuttings
- Softwood cuttings can root for some plum/rootstock types; most fruit cultivars are propagated by budding/grafting. Beach plum can also be softwood-cut.
- Best nursery method
- Grafting/budding; softwood cuttings for some plums
- Protocol specificity
- Crop/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Seedlings will be genetically variable; clone named cultivars.
Pear
FRUIT TREESModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall fruit → spring
- Seed
- Clean seed; cold-moist stratify about 60–90 days before spring sowing.
- Cutting timing
- Species-dependent; usually spring/summer or grafting season
- Cuttings
- Most pear cultivars are grafted/budded. Softwood cuttings can be difficult; some clonal rootstocks use cuttings or stooling.
- Best nursery method
- Grafting/budding
- Protocol specificity
- Crop/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Seedlings will be genetically variable; clone named cultivars.
Peas
VEGETABLES & HERBSEasy
- Seed timing
- Feb–May / direct sow after frost
- Seed
- Sow fresh seed in spring; usually no stratification. Use 65–75°F; cover about 1–2× seed thickness (larger seeds deeper).
- Cutting timing
- Spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Generally not used commercially; take soft herbaceous tip cuttings only as a trial under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- For named cultivars/hybrids, saved seed may not come true.
Pecan
NUT TREESModerate from seed; hard asexually
- Seed timing
- Fall → spring
- Seed
- Cold-moist stratify intact nuts about 90–120 days; sow 1–2 in deep in tall containers or nursery beds. Prevent drying and rodent loss.
- Cutting timing
- Not practical
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings are very difficult. Use grafting/budding for named nut cultivars; stooling/rootstock systems are specialized.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for rootstocks/seedlings; grafting for cultivars
- Protocol specificity
- Crop group
- Key nursery notes
- Use deep containers to accommodate early taproot growth.
Pin oak
Quercus palustris
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSEasy from seed; hard from cuttings
- Seed timing
- Sep–Nov acorn drop
- Seed
- Collect sound acorns at drop. Keep moist, never dry. Cold-moist stratify about 30–90 days (red-oak group) and sow 1–2 in deep in spring; protect from rodents.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring juvenile shoots (trial)
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings are generally poor/difficult for oaks. For clonal work, use juvenile softwood cuttings with mist/strong IBA, stool-bed layering, or grafting; seed is standard for seedlings.
- Best nursery method
- Acorns / seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species group
- Key nursery notes
- Grade acorns by float/cut test cautiously; maintain moisture during storage.
Pinxterbloom azalea
Rhododendron periclymenoides
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate–Hard
- Seed timing
- Fall–spring
- Seed
- Very fine seed; surface-sow on acidic peat with light at about 65–70°F. No deep burial. Seedlings vary.
- Cutting timing
- Early summer–early fall
- Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings late Jun–Aug; wound base, use 2,000–5,000 ppm IBA, root in peat/perlite under mist/partial shade. Deciduous native azaleas can be slower than evergreen types.
- Best nursery method
- Semi-hardwood cuttings / layering
- Protocol specificity
- Species/group
- Key nursery notes
- Maintain acidic media and avoid overfertilizing newly rooted ericaceous/native shrub liners.
Pitch pine
Pinus rigida
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSHard for cuttings
- Seed timing
- Cone/fruit maturity → fall or spring
- Seed
- Fresh seed often germinates without stratification; 30 days cold can improve uniformity. Sow shallow in spring.
- Cutting timing
- Late summer–winter
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings of most pines are difficult. Trial only very juvenile shoots with strong IBA and mist; use seed for normal production.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- For seedling production, seed is usually cheaper and faster than cuttings.
Plum
FRUIT TREESModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall fruit → spring
- Seed
- Clean pits. Cold-moist stratify about 90–120 days; crack endocarp only if using controlled protocols and avoid damaging kernel.
- Cutting timing
- Species-dependent; usually spring/summer or grafting season
- Cuttings
- Softwood cuttings can root for some plum/rootstock types; most fruit cultivars are propagated by budding/grafting. Beach plum can also be softwood-cut.
- Best nursery method
- Grafting/budding; softwood cuttings for some plums
- Protocol specificity
- Crop/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Seedlings will be genetically variable; clone named cultivars.
Post oak
Quercus stellata
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSEasy from seed; hard from cuttings
- Seed timing
- Sep–Nov acorn drop
- Seed
- Collect acorns as soon as they drop. Keep moist and cool; do not let them dry. White-oak-group acorns have little dormancy and may begin rooting in fall; sow immediately 1–2 in deep, protected from rodents.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring juvenile shoots (trial)
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings are generally poor/difficult for oaks. For clonal work, use juvenile softwood cuttings with mist/strong IBA, stool-bed layering, or grafting; seed is standard for seedlings.
- Best nursery method
- Acorns / seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species group
- Key nursery notes
- Grade acorns by float/cut test cautiously; maintain moisture during storage.
Privet
LANDSCAPE SELECTIONEasy
- Seed timing
- Fall–spring
- Seed
- Clean ripe berries; cold-moist stratify roughly 60–90 days before spring sowing.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood May–Jul or hardwood Nov–Feb
- Cuttings
- 4–6 in cuttings root readily in perlite/peat; light IBA improves uniformity.
- Best nursery method
- Cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Genus
- Key nursery notes
- Check invasiveness/legal status of the exact privet species before production or sale.
Pumpkins and winter squash
VEGETABLES & HERBSEasy
- Seed timing
- Feb–May / direct sow after frost
- Seed
- Sow fresh seed in spring; usually no stratification. Use 70–85°F; cover about 1–2× seed thickness (larger seeds deeper).
- Cutting timing
- Spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Generally not used commercially; take soft herbaceous tip cuttings only as a trial under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- For named cultivars/hybrids, saved seed may not come true.
Purple lovegrass
Eragrostis spectabilis
NATIVE GRASSESEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Late fall dormant sow or Feb–May
- Seed
- Clean seed; many warm-season grasses germinate without treatment, but 30–60 days cold-moist stratification can improve uniformity in some native lots. Surface/shallow sow with light.
- Cutting timing
- Spring
- Cuttings
- Do not use stem cuttings. Divide vigorous crowns/clumps into rooted sections before rapid spring growth.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for volume; crown division for clones
- Protocol specificity
- Functional group
- Key nursery notes
- Warm-season grasses prefer warm germination temperatures after dormancy is satisfied.
Red chokeberry
Aronia arbutifolia
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Fall → spring
- Seed
- Clean fruit; cold-moist stratify about 90–120 days. Surface/shallow sow after treatment.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood May–Jul
- Cuttings
- 4–6 in softwood cuttings root readily with 1,000–3,000 ppm IBA under mist; suckers/division also work.
- Best nursery method
- Softwood cuttings / suckers
- Protocol specificity
- Genus
- Key nursery notes
- Vegetative propagation preserves berry color/form.
Red maple
MAPLESModerate
- Seed timing
- Apr–Jun
- Seed
- Collect samaras at spring maturity and sow immediately; seed loses viability quickly and usually needs no cold stratification.
- Cutting timing
- May–Jun
- Cuttings
- Take softwood cuttings May–Jun from juvenile shoots; wound lightly, use 2,000–5,000 ppm IBA, root under mist. Some maples are much easier than others; grafting is preferred for named Japanese maple cultivars.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for seedlings; cuttings/grafting for clones
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Seedlings of named cultivars do not come true.
Red oak
TREE SEEDLINGSEasy from seed; hard from cuttings
- Seed timing
- Sep–Nov acorn drop
- Seed
- Collect sound acorns at drop. Keep moist, never dry. Cold-moist stratify about 30–90 days (red-oak group) and sow 1–2 in deep in spring; protect from rodents.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring juvenile shoots (trial)
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings are generally poor/difficult for oaks. For clonal work, use juvenile softwood cuttings with mist/strong IBA, stool-bed layering, or grafting; seed is standard for seedlings.
- Best nursery method
- Acorns / seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species group
- Key nursery notes
- Grade acorns by float/cut test cautiously; maintain moisture during storage.
Red raspberry
BERRIES & BRAMBLESEasy
- Seed timing
- Late summer–fall
- Seed
- Seed has hard coat/dormancy. Clean fruit; scarification plus 60–90 days warm followed by 90 days cold is commonly used. Seed is slow and variable.
- Cutting timing
- Root cuttings dormant season; tip layering summer; leafy cuttings spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Root cuttings 2–4 in long in moist medium; black raspberry is especially easy by tip layering. Softwood cuttings can root under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Root cuttings / tip layering
- Protocol specificity
- Crop group
- Key nursery notes
- Use virus-clean mother stock for nursery production.
Red twig dogwood
NURSERY SELECTIONSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Late summer–fall
- Seed
- Depulp seed. Use about 90–120 days cold-moist stratification; some lots benefit from warm + cold cycling. Sow 1/4–1/2 in deep.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood May–Jun; hardwood Nov–Feb
- Cuttings
- Take 4–6 in softwood cuttings or dormant hardwood sticks. Wound base lightly and use 1,000–3,000 ppm IBA for softwood; root in perlite/peat under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Genus/species-group
- Key nursery notes
- Vegetative propagation preserves stem color/selected traits.
Rhubarb
PERENNIALS & FLOWERSEasy
- Seed timing
- Late winter–spring
- Seed
- Sow seed 1/4–1/2 in deep at 60–70°F. Seedlings vary, so named cultivars should not be maintained from seed.
- Cutting timing
- Early spring or fall
- Cuttings
- Not stem cuttings. Divide crowns so each piece has at least one strong bud and healthy roots.
- Best nursery method
- Crown division
- Protocol specificity
- Specific
- Key nursery notes
- Division preserves cultivar identity and reaches saleable size faster.
River birch
Betula nigra
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate
- Seed timing
- Aug–Oct; sow fall or spring
- Seed
- Seed is tiny. Surface-sow with light; 30–60 days cold-moist stratification improves uniformity. Keep evenly moist, not waterlogged.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood May–Jun
- Cuttings
- Use 3–5 in softwood cuttings from juvenile shoots; wound lightly and use 1,000–3,000 ppm IBA under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Seed; softwood cuttings for clones
- Protocol specificity
- Genus/species group
- Key nursery notes
- Do not bury tiny seed deeply.
Runner and pole beans
VINES & CLIMBERSEasy
- Seed timing
- Feb–May / direct sow after frost
- Seed
- Sow fresh seed in spring; usually no stratification. Use 70–85°F; cover about 1–2× seed thickness (larger seeds deeper).
- Cutting timing
- Spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Generally not used commercially; take soft herbaceous tip cuttings only as a trial under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- For named cultivars/hybrids, saved seed may not come true.
Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall → spring
- Seed
- Clean dark blue fruit; cold-moist stratify about 90–120 days and sow shallow. Seed should not dry excessively.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Use dormant root cuttings 2–4 in long or separate suckers; stem cuttings are less reliable.
- Best nursery method
- Root cuttings / seed
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Use juvenile, healthy stock plants for best rooting; seed-grown trees may vary.
Scarlet oak
Quercus coccinea
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSEasy from seed; hard from cuttings
- Seed timing
- Sep–Nov acorn drop
- Seed
- Collect sound acorns at drop. Keep moist, never dry. Cold-moist stratify about 30–90 days (red-oak group) and sow 1–2 in deep in spring; protect from rodents.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring juvenile shoots (trial)
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings are generally poor/difficult for oaks. For clonal work, use juvenile softwood cuttings with mist/strong IBA, stool-bed layering, or grafting; seed is standard for seedlings.
- Best nursery method
- Acorns / seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species group
- Key nursery notes
- Grade acorns by float/cut test cautiously; maintain moisture during storage.
Scrub oak / Bear oak
Quercus ilicifolia
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSEasy from seed; hard from cuttings
- Seed timing
- Sep–Nov acorn drop
- Seed
- Collect sound acorns at drop. Keep moist, never dry. Cold-moist stratify about 30–90 days (red-oak group) and sow 1–2 in deep in spring; protect from rodents.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring juvenile shoots (trial)
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings are generally poor/difficult for oaks. For clonal work, use juvenile softwood cuttings with mist/strong IBA, stool-bed layering, or grafting; seed is standard for seedlings.
- Best nursery method
- Acorns / seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species group
- Key nursery notes
- Grade acorns by float/cut test cautiously; maintain moisture during storage.
Seed-stock flowers
FLOWERSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall–early spring
- Seed
- Broadcast or tray-sow according to component species. Many native perennials benefit from 30–90 days cold-moist stratification; annuals often need none.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–summer for clonal species
- Cuttings
- Use softwood/herbaceous cuttings only for species known to root; otherwise divide or grow from seed.
- Best nursery method
- Seed mix; species-specific division/cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- General mix
- Key nursery notes
- Do not use one treatment for all components; separate species when uniform germination is important.
Serviceberry
Amelanchier canadensis
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate
- Seed timing
- Jun–Aug fruit → following spring
- Seed
- Clean fruit promptly. Use warm-moist stratification about 60–90 days followed by cold-moist stratification 90–120 days; seed can otherwise remain dormant.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood May–Jun
- Cuttings
- Softwood cuttings from juvenile plants under mist with 2,000–5,000 ppm IBA; layering/suckers can be easier.
- Best nursery method
- Softwood cuttings / layering
- Protocol specificity
- Specific
- Key nursery notes
- Seed can be slow; clonal methods preserve fruit/flower traits.
Shagbark hickory
NUT TREESModerate from seed; hard asexually
- Seed timing
- Fall → spring
- Seed
- Cold-moist stratify intact nuts about 90–120 days; sow 1–2 in deep in tall containers or nursery beds. Prevent drying and rodent loss.
- Cutting timing
- Not practical
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings are very difficult. Use grafting/budding for named nut cultivars; stooling/rootstock systems are specialized.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for rootstocks/seedlings; grafting for cultivars
- Protocol specificity
- Crop group
- Key nursery notes
- Use deep containers to accommodate early taproot growth.
Sheep laurel
Kalmia angustifolia
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSHard
- Seed timing
- Fall–spring
- Seed
- Tiny seed; surface-sow on acidic peat with light. A 30–60 day cold period can improve some lots; do not bury.
- Cutting timing
- Early summer–early fall
- Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings Jul–Sep; wound and use stronger IBA (about 4,000–8,000 ppm). Acidic, well-drained medium and high humidity are important.
- Best nursery method
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Species/group
- Key nursery notes
- Maintain acidic media and avoid overfertilizing newly rooted ericaceous/native shrub liners.
Shiitake mushrooms
Lentinula edodes
MUSHROOMS & GROWING MATERIALSModerate
- Seed
- Not propagated from seed. Use clean mushroom spawn (plug, sawdust, grain, or other species-appropriate spawn).
- Cuttings
- Not propagated from plant cuttings. Inoculate suitable substrate/logs with spawn; maintain species-appropriate moisture and incubation conditions.
- Best nursery method
- Spawn inoculation
- Protocol specificity
- General mushroom method
- Key nursery notes
- Track strain, substrate species, inoculation date, moisture, and fruiting conditions.
Shortleaf pine
Pinus echinata
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSHard for cuttings
- Seed timing
- Cone/fruit maturity → fall or spring
- Seed
- Usually little/no dormancy; 30 days cold may improve uniformity. Sow shallow in spring.
- Cutting timing
- Late summer–winter
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings of most pines are difficult. Trial only very juvenile shoots with strong IBA and mist; use seed for normal production.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- For seedling production, seed is usually cheaper and faster than cuttings.
Silky dogwood
Cornus amomum
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Late summer–fall
- Seed
- Depulp seed. Use about 90–120 days cold-moist stratification; some lots benefit from warm + cold cycling. Sow 1/4–1/2 in deep.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood May–Jun; hardwood Nov–Feb
- Cuttings
- Take 4–6 in softwood cuttings or dormant hardwood sticks. Wound base lightly and use 1,000–3,000 ppm IBA for softwood; root in perlite/peat under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Genus/species-group
- Key nursery notes
- Vegetative propagation preserves stem color/selected traits.
Silver maple
MAPLESModerate
- Seed timing
- Apr–Jun
- Seed
- Collect samaras at spring maturity and sow immediately; seed loses viability quickly and usually needs no cold stratification.
- Cutting timing
- May–Jun
- Cuttings
- Take softwood cuttings May–Jun from juvenile shoots; wound lightly, use 2,000–5,000 ppm IBA, root under mist. Some maples are much easier than others; grafting is preferred for named Japanese maple cultivars.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for seedlings; cuttings/grafting for clones
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Seedlings of named cultivars do not come true.
Smooth sumac
Rhus glabra
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Late summer–fall
- Seed
- Hard-coated seed. Scarify (hot-water soak or mechanical nicking), then cold-moist stratify about 30–90 days before spring sowing.
- Cutting timing
- Dormant season for root cuttings; spring suckers
- Cuttings
- Use 2–4 in root cuttings laid horizontally under 1/2 in medium, or divide suckers with roots. Stem cuttings are less reliable.
- Best nursery method
- Root cuttings / suckers
- Protocol specificity
- Genus
- Key nursery notes
- Excellent candidate for clonal root propagation; control spread in production blocks.
Southern magnolia
LANDSCAPE SELECTIONModerate–Hard
- Seed timing
- Fall → spring
- Seed
- Remove red/orange fleshy seed coat soon after harvest; do not let seed dry. Cold-moist stratify about 90–120 days and sow 1/2 in deep.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer from juvenile growth; wound base and use 3,000–8,000 ppm IBA under mist. Air-layering can help difficult cultivars.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for species; cuttings/layering for clones
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Use juvenile, healthy stock plants for best rooting; seed-grown trees may vary.
Spicebush
Lindera benzoin
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate
- Seed timing
- Sep–Oct; sow fresh or stratify
- Seed
- Clean red fruit and sow fresh outdoors, or cold-moist stratify about 90–120 days. Do not allow seed to dry excessively.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood Jun
- Cuttings
- Take 4–6 in softwood cuttings under mist with moderate IBA; rooting is best from juvenile stock.
- Best nursery method
- Seed / softwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Specific
- Key nursery notes
- Dioecious: preserve known male/female clones when fruit production matters.
Staghorn sumac
Rhus typhina
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Late summer–fall
- Seed
- Hard-coated seed. Scarify (hot-water soak or mechanical nicking), then cold-moist stratify about 30–90 days before spring sowing.
- Cutting timing
- Dormant season for root cuttings; spring suckers
- Cuttings
- Use 2–4 in root cuttings laid horizontally under 1/2 in medium, or divide suckers with roots. Stem cuttings are less reliable.
- Best nursery method
- Root cuttings / suckers
- Protocol specificity
- Genus
- Key nursery notes
- Excellent candidate for clonal root propagation; control spread in production blocks.
Stewartia
LANDSCAPE SELECTIONModerate–Hard
- Seed timing
- Fall → spring
- Seed
- Seed has complex dormancy; use warm-moist stratification about 90–120 days followed by cold 90–120 days. Germination may be prolonged.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Softwood cuttings in early summer under mist with moderate IBA; use juvenile shoots.
- Best nursery method
- Softwood cuttings / seed
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Use juvenile, healthy stock plants for best rooting; seed-grown trees may vary.
Strawberry
BERRIES & BRAMBLESVery easy
- Seed timing
- Winter–spring
- Seed
- For species/seed strains, surface-sow tiny seed; 2–4 weeks cold can improve germination. Cultivar seedlings do not come true.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Do not use stem cuttings. Peg runners into small pots or trays and sever after rooted; crown division is also possible.
- Best nursery method
- Runners
- Protocol specificity
- Specific
- Key nursery notes
- Use certified disease-free mother stock for commercial propagation.
Sugar maple
MAPLESModerate
- Seed timing
- Sep–Oct → spring
- Seed
- Collect mature samaras in fall; cold-moist stratify about 60–120 days at 33–41°F; sow 1/4–1/2 in deep.
- Cutting timing
- May–Jun
- Cuttings
- Take softwood cuttings May–Jun from juvenile shoots; wound lightly, use 2,000–5,000 ppm IBA, root under mist. Some maples are much easier than others; grafting is preferred for named Japanese maple cultivars.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for seedlings; cuttings/grafting for clones
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Seedlings of named cultivars do not come true.
Sugar or red maple logs
MUSHROOMS & GROWING MATERIALSModerate
- Seed
- Not propagated from seed. Use clean mushroom spawn (plug, sawdust, grain, or other species-appropriate spawn).
- Cuttings
- Not propagated from plant cuttings. Inoculate suitable substrate/logs with spawn; maintain species-appropriate moisture and incubation conditions.
- Best nursery method
- Spawn inoculation
- Protocol specificity
- General mushroom method
- Key nursery notes
- Track strain, substrate species, inoculation date, moisture, and fruiting conditions.
Sunflowers
PERENNIALS & FLOWERSEasy
- Seed timing
- Feb–May / direct sow after frost
- Seed
- Sow fresh seed in spring; usually no stratification. Use 65–75°F; cover about 1–2× seed thickness (larger seeds deeper).
- Cutting timing
- Spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Generally not used commercially; take soft herbaceous tip cuttings only as a trial under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- For named cultivars/hybrids, saved seed may not come true.
Swamp azalea
Rhododendron viscosum
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate–Hard
- Seed timing
- Fall–spring
- Seed
- Very fine seed; surface-sow on acidic peat with light at about 65–70°F. No deep burial. Seedlings vary.
- Cutting timing
- Early summer–early fall
- Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings late Jun–Aug; wound base, use 2,000–5,000 ppm IBA, root in peat/perlite under mist/partial shade. Deciduous native azaleas can be slower than evergreen types.
- Best nursery method
- Semi-hardwood cuttings / layering
- Protocol specificity
- Species/group
- Key nursery notes
- Maintain acidic media and avoid overfertilizing newly rooted ericaceous/native shrub liners.
Swamp milkweed
Asclepias incarnata
POLLINATOR PLANTSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Fall–early spring
- Seed
- Cold-moist stratify 30–60 days, then shallow sow at 65–75°F.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–early summer
- Cuttings
- Soft stem cuttings can root under mist; root division also works on young stock.
- Best nursery method
- Seed / root cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- Collect locally adapted seed where appropriate; vegetative propagation preserves selected forms.
Swamp white oak
Quercus bicolor
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSEasy from seed; hard from cuttings
- Seed timing
- Sep–Nov acorn drop
- Seed
- Collect acorns as soon as they drop. Keep moist and cool; do not let them dry. White-oak-group acorns have little dormancy and may begin rooting in fall; sow immediately 1–2 in deep, protected from rodents.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring juvenile shoots (trial)
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings are generally poor/difficult for oaks. For clonal work, use juvenile softwood cuttings with mist/strong IBA, stool-bed layering, or grafting; seed is standard for seedlings.
- Best nursery method
- Acorns / seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species group
- Key nursery notes
- Grade acorns by float/cut test cautiously; maintain moisture during storage.
Sweet birch
Betula lenta
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate
- Seed timing
- Aug–Oct; sow fall or spring
- Seed
- Seed is tiny. Surface-sow with light; 30–60 days cold-moist stratification improves uniformity. Keep evenly moist, not waterlogged.
- Cutting timing
- Softwood May–Jun
- Cuttings
- Use 3–5 in softwood cuttings from juvenile shoots; wound lightly and use 1,000–3,000 ppm IBA under mist.
- Best nursery method
- Seed; softwood cuttings for clones
- Protocol specificity
- Genus/species group
- Key nursery notes
- Do not bury tiny seed deeply.
Sweet pepperbush
Clethra alnifolia
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Fall–spring
- Seed
- Very small seed; surface-sow with light; usually little/no pretreatment is needed.
- Cutting timing
- Early summer–early fall
- Cuttings
- Softwood cuttings in Jun–Jul root well under mist; use light–moderate IBA.
- Best nursery method
- Softwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Species/group
- Key nursery notes
- Maintain acidic media and avoid overfertilizing newly rooted ericaceous/native shrub liners.
Sweetbay magnolia
TREE SEEDLINGSModerate–Hard
- Seed timing
- Fall → spring
- Seed
- Remove red/orange fleshy seed coat soon after harvest; do not let seed dry. Cold-moist stratify about 90–120 days and sow 1/2 in deep.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer from juvenile growth; wound base and use 3,000–8,000 ppm IBA under mist. Air-layering can help difficult cultivars.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for species; cuttings/layering for clones
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Use juvenile, healthy stock plants for best rooting; seed-grown trees may vary.
Sweetfern
Comptonia peregrina
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall → spring
- Seed
- Hard seed; scarify, then cold-moist stratify about 60–90 days. Sow shallow in sandy acidic medium.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Root/rhizome division and root cuttings are more reliable than stem cuttings; softwood cuttings can be trialed with mist.
- Best nursery method
- Root/rhizome division
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Use local ecotype/provenance when producing restoration stock.
Sweetgum
Liquidambar styraciflua
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall → spring
- Seed
- Collect seed balls when brown; cold-moist stratify about 30–60 days and surface/shallow sow.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Softwood cuttings from juvenile stock can root under mist with moderate IBA; root cuttings also possible.
- Best nursery method
- Seed / softwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Use juvenile, healthy stock plants for best rooting; seed-grown trees may vary.
Sweetgum logs
MUSHROOMS & GROWING MATERIALSModerate
- Seed
- Not propagated from seed. Use clean mushroom spawn (plug, sawdust, grain, or other species-appropriate spawn).
- Cuttings
- Not propagated from plant cuttings. Inoculate suitable substrate/logs with spawn; maintain species-appropriate moisture and incubation conditions.
- Best nursery method
- Spawn inoculation
- Protocol specificity
- General mushroom method
- Key nursery notes
- Track strain, substrate species, inoculation date, moisture, and fruiting conditions.
Switchgrass
Panicum virgatum
NATIVE GRASSESEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Late fall dormant sow or Feb–May
- Seed
- Clean seed; many warm-season grasses germinate without treatment, but 30–60 days cold-moist stratification can improve uniformity in some native lots. Surface/shallow sow with light.
- Cutting timing
- Spring
- Cuttings
- Do not use stem cuttings. Divide vigorous crowns/clumps into rooted sections before rapid spring growth.
- Best nursery method
- Seed for volume; crown division for clones
- Protocol specificity
- Functional group
- Key nursery notes
- Warm-season grasses prefer warm germination temperatures after dormancy is satisfied.
Sycamore
TREE SEEDLINGSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall → spring
- Seed
- Collect seed balls after maturity, break apart, clean achenes. Cold-moist stratify about 30–60 days; surface/shallow sow with light.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Hardwood cuttings and softwood cuttings can root; use juvenile material and 1,000–3,000 ppm IBA.
- Best nursery method
- Seed / cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Use juvenile, healthy stock plants for best rooting; seed-grown trees may vary.
Table grape
VINES & CLIMBERSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Fall collection; stratify for spring
- Seed
- Clean seed and cold-moist stratify about 90–120 days. Seedlings are variable and not true to cultivar.
- Cutting timing
- Dormant Dec–Mar or softwood May–Jun
- Cuttings
- Use 8–12 in hardwood cuttings with 3–4 buds; stick with 1 bud above medium. Some grape types/muscadines root better by softwood cuttings or layering; use IBA as needed.
- Best nursery method
- Cuttings / layering
- Protocol specificity
- Crop group
- Key nursery notes
- Clone named cultivars; seed is for breeding/rootstock work.
Trumpet honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens
NATIVE VINESModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall collection / spring sow
- Seed
- Clean berries; cold-moist stratify about 60–90 days, then shallow sow.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Softwood/semi-hardwood cuttings root well under mist with light IBA.
- Best nursery method
- Softwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Seed-grown vines may vary; vegetative methods are faster for uniform stock.
Trumpet vine
Campsis radicans
NATIVE VINESModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall collection / spring sow
- Seed
- Cold-moist stratify about 30–60 days; sow shallow in spring.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Root cuttings, suckers, or softwood stem cuttings root readily; control spread.
- Best nursery method
- Root cuttings / suckers
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Seed-grown vines may vary; vegetative methods are faster for uniform stock.
Tulip poplar
Liriodendron tulipifera
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall → spring
- Seed
- Collect samaras in fall; cold-moist stratify about 60–90 days. Sow shallow; expect many empty seeds.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Softwood cuttings are difficult; use juvenile stock, mist, and moderate IBA. Seed is standard.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Use juvenile, healthy stock plants for best rooting; seed-grown trees may vary.
Viburnum
LANDSCAPE SELECTIONModerate
- Seed timing
- Varies
- Seed
- Verify exact species/cultivar. Use clean seed-starting mix; sow at a depth appropriate to seed size and keep evenly moist.
- Cutting timing
- Varies
- Cuttings
- Verify exact species/cultivar. Trial softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings under high humidity in a sterile, well-drained medium; use rooting hormone when appropriate.
- Best nursery method
- Seed or cuttings, depending on stock goal
- Protocol specificity
- General category
- Key nursery notes
- Broad catalog category; exact propagation depends on the species/cultivar sold.
Virginia creeper
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
NATIVE VINESModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall collection / spring sow
- Seed
- Clean fruit; cold-moist stratify about 60–90 days, then sow shallow.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Use 4–6 in softwood or hardwood cuttings with 2–3 nodes; light IBA helpful.
- Best nursery method
- Stem cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Seed-grown vines may vary; vegetative methods are faster for uniform stock.
Virginia pine
Pinus virginiana
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSHard for cuttings
- Seed timing
- Cone/fruit maturity → fall or spring
- Seed
- Little dormancy in many lots; 30 days cold-moist stratification can improve uniformity. Sow shallow.
- Cutting timing
- Late summer–winter
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings of most pines are difficult. Trial only very juvenile shoots with strong IBA and mist; use seed for normal production.
- Best nursery method
- Seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species/common-name specific
- Key nursery notes
- For seedling production, seed is usually cheaper and faster than cuttings.
White oak
TREE SEEDLINGSEasy from seed; hard from cuttings
- Seed timing
- Sep–Nov acorn drop
- Seed
- Collect acorns as soon as they drop. Keep moist and cool; do not let them dry. White-oak-group acorns have little dormancy and may begin rooting in fall; sow immediately 1–2 in deep, protected from rodents.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring juvenile shoots (trial)
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings are generally poor/difficult for oaks. For clonal work, use juvenile softwood cuttings with mist/strong IBA, stool-bed layering, or grafting; seed is standard for seedlings.
- Best nursery method
- Acorns / seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species group
- Key nursery notes
- Grade acorns by float/cut test cautiously; maintain moisture during storage.
Wildflower meadow mix
MEADOW PLANTS & SEEDModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall–early spring
- Seed
- Broadcast or tray-sow according to component species. Many native perennials benefit from 30–90 days cold-moist stratification; annuals often need none.
- Cutting timing
- Spring–summer for clonal species
- Cuttings
- Use softwood/herbaceous cuttings only for species known to root; otherwise divide or grow from seed.
- Best nursery method
- Seed mix; species-specific division/cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- General mix
- Key nursery notes
- Do not use one treatment for all components; separate species when uniform germination is important.
Willow
NURSERY SELECTIONSVery easy
- Seed timing
- Late spring when seed ripens
- Seed
- Seed is tiny and short-lived; sow immediately on moist surface with light and constant moisture. Do not dry or store long.
- Cutting timing
- Dormant late fall–early spring; softwood spring
- Cuttings
- Stick 8–18 in hardwood whips directly into moist medium/soil with several nodes buried. Rooting hormone usually unnecessary.
- Best nursery method
- Hardwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Specific genus
- Key nursery notes
- Ideal for living structures and rapid liner production.
Willow oak
Quercus phellos
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSEasy from seed; hard from cuttings
- Seed timing
- Sep–Nov acorn drop
- Seed
- Collect sound acorns at drop. Keep moist, never dry. Cold-moist stratify about 30–90 days (red-oak group) and sow 1–2 in deep in spring; protect from rodents.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring juvenile shoots (trial)
- Cuttings
- Stem cuttings are generally poor/difficult for oaks. For clonal work, use juvenile softwood cuttings with mist/strong IBA, stool-bed layering, or grafting; seed is standard for seedlings.
- Best nursery method
- Acorns / seed
- Protocol specificity
- Species group
- Key nursery notes
- Grade acorns by float/cut test cautiously; maintain moisture during storage.
Wine cap mushrooms
MUSHROOMS & GROWING MATERIALSModerate
- Seed
- Not propagated from seed. Use clean mushroom spawn (plug, sawdust, grain, or other species-appropriate spawn).
- Cuttings
- Not propagated from plant cuttings. Inoculate suitable substrate/logs with spawn; maintain species-appropriate moisture and incubation conditions.
- Best nursery method
- Spawn inoculation
- Protocol specificity
- General mushroom method
- Key nursery notes
- Track strain, substrate species, inoculation date, moisture, and fruiting conditions.
Wine grape
VINES & CLIMBERSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Fall collection; stratify for spring
- Seed
- Clean seed and cold-moist stratify about 90–120 days. Seedlings are variable and not true to cultivar.
- Cutting timing
- Dormant Dec–Mar or softwood May–Jun
- Cuttings
- Use 8–12 in hardwood cuttings with 3–4 buds; stick with 1 bud above medium. Some grape types/muscadines root better by softwood cuttings or layering; use IBA as needed.
- Best nursery method
- Cuttings / layering
- Protocol specificity
- Crop group
- Key nursery notes
- Clone named cultivars; seed is for breeding/rootstock work.
Winged sumac
Rhus copallinum
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSEasy–Moderate
- Seed timing
- Late summer–fall
- Seed
- Hard-coated seed. Scarify (hot-water soak or mechanical nicking), then cold-moist stratify about 30–90 days before spring sowing.
- Cutting timing
- Dormant season for root cuttings; spring suckers
- Cuttings
- Use 2–4 in root cuttings laid horizontally under 1/2 in medium, or divide suckers with roots. Stem cuttings are less reliable.
- Best nursery method
- Root cuttings / suckers
- Protocol specificity
- Genus
- Key nursery notes
- Excellent candidate for clonal root propagation; control spread in production blocks.
Winterberry holly
Ilex verticillata
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall collection; long dormancy
- Seed
- Clean berries thoroughly. Warm stratify roughly 60–90 days then cold-moist stratify 90–120 days; some lots germinate in the second season.
- Cutting timing
- Semi-hardwood Jul–Sep
- Cuttings
- Use 3–6 in semi-hardwood cuttings; wound base and use moderate-to-strong IBA (about 2,000–5,000 ppm) under mist in perlite/peat.
- Best nursery method
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Genus
- Key nursery notes
- For berry production, label sex and clone known female/male plants as needed.
Zelkova
TREE SEEDLINGSModerate
- Seed timing
- Fall → spring
- Seed
- Collect mature drupes in fall; cold-moist stratify about 60–90 days, then shallow sow.
- Cutting timing
- Late spring–summer
- Cuttings
- Softwood cuttings root from juvenile stock with mist and 1,000–3,000 ppm IBA.
- Best nursery method
- Seed / softwood cuttings
- Protocol specificity
- Specific/common-name
- Key nursery notes
- Use juvenile, healthy stock plants for best rooting; seed-grown trees may vary.
How to use this guide
- Cuttings: Where stem cuttings are unreliable or inappropriate, the guide lists the most useful vegetative alternative, including root cuttings, division, runners, layering, grafting, bulbs, or spawn.
- IBA rates: These are approximate starting ranges. Rooting response changes with species, mother-stock age, formulation, season, temperature, and mist conditions. Trial small batches before scaling.
- Seed-grown variation: Named fruit, nut, ornamental, and hybrid cultivars often do not come true from seed. Use seed for species seedlings, rootstocks, breeding, or genetic diversity; use clonal methods when cultivar identity matters.
- Broad catalog entries: Mixed or general groups require confirmation of the exact species or cultivar before production.
- Responsible collection: Obtain permission, follow applicable laws, and avoid taking rare plants or excessive seed from wild populations.