Flowering Dogwood Tree

The Dogwood Tree brings instant charm to any landscape with its graceful branching, vibrant seasonal color, and iconic blossoms that brighten spring with showy clusters of 3–5 inch white blooms. Growing into a beautifully rounded shape reaching about 15–30 feet tall and wide, this beloved tree delivers year-round interest—from its soft spring flowers to its lush summer canopy, radiant fall foliage, and striking winter silhouette. Dogwoods transform a yard into a peaceful, storybook setting; its blooms attract butterflies and pollinators; its compact size fits beautifully into small or large landscapes; and its reliable, low-maintenance nature makes it rewarding even for beginners. Growing your own Dogwood Tree brings the joy of watching seasonal color unfold right outside your window, the satisfaction of nurturing a classic ornamental favorite, and the timeless beauty of a tree that becomes more stunning with every passing year. This Northern sourced seed can also be planted in Southern areas as Hardy Dogwoods.

Also Known As: Flowering Dogwood, Cornus Florida, Cornel, Bunchberry, Kousa Dogwood, Indian Plumb, Hardwood Tree, American Dogwood, Cornus Nuttallii, Christening Tree, Wedding Cake Tree.

Plant Name:	Tree, Dogwood
Latin Name:	Cornus florida Northern, Cynoxylon floridum
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Days to Bloom:	7 - 10 Years
Plant Height:	15 - 30 Feet
Spread:	20 - 30 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	4-9
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 30 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. To stratify, roll seeds in a damp paper towel and place in a resealable bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator to keep seeds at 35F-40F for 90-120 days, mimicking winter conditions. After the stratification period, seeds should be ready to germinate. To germinate seeds, place the bags in a warm 70F-90F area. After 10 days, plant the seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F, about 1 month after the last expected frost in spring. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 65F. Plant in pairs to ensure cross-pollination or manually pollinate.To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: Plant in pairs to ensure cross-pollination or manually pollinate. If directly sowing outdoors, plant seeds in late summer to naturally cold-stratify seeds. To plant, make holes 1/2 inch deep and spaced 30-50 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/2 inches
Within-Row Spacing:	30 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	50 feet

Care During the Season:

Dogwood Tree can thrive by maintaining consistent soil moisture throughout the growing season, particularly during summer dry spells by providing deep, slow watering at the drip line and applying a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch over the root zone to conserve moisture and regulate temperature, being careful to keep it away from the trunk. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs, or use an acidic formula if leaf scorch is noted, as Dogwoods prefer slightly acidic soil. Avoid pruning during the spring or summer months except to remove dead or diseased wood, as significant trimming can interfere with the next year's bloom set, and be vigilant for common pests and diseases such as the Dogwood borer or powdery mildew, treating promptly if detected.

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