Sycamore trees belong to the genus Platanus, which comprises deciduous species found around the world in temperate climates. Platanus racemosa, also referred to as the western sycamore or California sycamore, is widely utilized for palmate leaves its bicolored bark and stately, somewhat open growth habit. Like many species within its genus, the western sycamore will swiftly reach a mature height of 40 to 100 feet and grows easily from seed. However, homeowners must keep the trees beneath somewhat moist conditions from germination until their next year of life when the trees are to reach their whole potential.
Start sycamore trees from seed in early spring since the seed balls are going to have dried out to the tree during the winter months. Locate and collect a seed ball with a golden-brown or grayish coloration. When squeezed, Prevent people who have signs of mildew or an excessively wet, squishy sense.
Put the sycamore seed ball in a paper bag. The top closed. Gently tap on the seed ball with a rubber mallet to break apart the seeds. Pick a couple of seeds that are healthy-looking and then discard the rest into compost pile or a waste bin.
Select a planting site big enough to accommodate a sycamore tree. Start looking for a place with at least 20 square feet of clearance from power lines, looming trees and structures. Avoid areas where the soil remains sopping wet all the time since sycamores planted there will probably develop brittle wood.
Scoop up dirt from the planting site. Collect enough dirt to fill a 6-inch round nursery container one-third of the way full. Blend the soil with equal measurements of coarse and vermiculite sand. Mix until they are well incorporated and the mixture takes on a uniform look.
Pour water on the soil mixture until it flows freely from the bottom of the hammock container. Before planting the sycamore seed let the soil mixture drain for 20 or more minutes.
Sow the sycamore seeds in a depth of 1/8 inch at the prepared nursery container. Firm the soil atop the seeds. Spread a layer of coarse sand throughout the surface of the soil to hold in moisture while the sycamore seeds germinate.
Put the nursery container outside. When the year is tender water the seeds to a depth of two inches every two months , otherwise let Mother Nature do the watering.
Watch for signs of germination in four to six weeks. Thin out the seedlings if greater than one of those seeds germinates. Remove all but seedling.
Transfer the sycamore once it grows to 6 inches in height, seedling into a 1-gallon nursery container. Keep it well-watered into a depth of two inches at all times, allowing the soil to dry out completely for no longer than three days.
Plant the sycamore tree in its planting website that is chosen once it bears sets of fully-formed leaves and tops 12 inches in height. Water the sapling into a depth of two inches every 10 to 15 days during its first summer remove all watering once the season begins in October.