Hamamelis
virginiana, known as common witch hazel, is a fall-blooming, deciduous shrub or
small tree that is native to woodlands, forest margins and stream banks in
eastern North America. It typically grows 15-20’ tall with a similar spread in
cultivation, but can reach 30’ tall in its native habitat. Stem-hugging
clusters of fragrant bright yellow flowers, each with four crinkly,
ribbon-shaped petals, appear along the branches from October to December,
usually after leaf drop but sometimes at the time of fall color. Fertilized
flowers will form fruit over a long period extending through winter and into
the following growing season. Fruits are greenish seed capsules that become
woody with age and mature to light brown. Each seed capsule splits open in fall
of the following year, exploding the 1-2 black seeds within for up to 30 feet.
Oval to obovate, medium to dark green leaves (to 6” long) with dentate to wavy
margins turn quality shades of yellow in fall. Easily grown in average, medium
moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best flowering in full
sun. Prefers moist, acidic, organically rich soils. Tolerates heavy clay soils.
Shrub borders, woodland gardens. Screen or tall hedge. Hardy in zones 3-9.
Growing
Instructions for the Witch Hazel
The seeds are
dormant and can take a period of time to germinate. The seeds take 1-2 years to
sprout. Seeds collected and planted in the fall may germinate the following
spring or they may germinate the second spring or even longer. The seeds need a
period of warm stratification followed by a period of cold stratification to
break their dormancy and germinate. They can be planted outdoors or they can be
stratified to break their dormancy. 1. Soak the seeds for 24 hours. Warm stratify
the seeds for 4 months. 2. Cold stratify the seeds for 3 months. 3. sow the
seeds on rich, moist soil. 4. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. 5 When
the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.
William (verified owner) –
They arrived very fresh and not bruised. They were delicious.
Dylan (verified owner) –
I was happy about the quick delivery and that the seeds actually sprouted within 7 days
Kevin (verified owner) –
Very fast delivery.
Paul (verified owner) –
I was happy about the quick delivery and that the seeds actually sprouted within 7 days
Isaac (verified owner) –
Great seeds, I now have squash everywhere from this one pack of seeds