Liquidambar (Sweetgum) Seed and Cutting Propagation Guide

Seed Collection and Stratification

• Collect brown, ripe fruits (spiky balls) in fall/winter.
• Green fruits = immature seeds = non-viable.
• Each fruit contains 5–60 tiny seeds.
• Soak seeds 12 hours; stratify in damp paper towel in fridge 30 days.
• Sow 1/16 inch deep; keep moist; mulch outdoor beds.

Cutting Propagation

1. Early spring, before bud break (softwood).
2. 6-inch cuttings at leaf axils; no leaves/fruit.
3. Dip in rooting hormone; 1 inch deep in warm, moist mix.
4. Seal in plastic; high humidity; roots in 8+ weeks.
5. Harden off; plant after frost in full sun.

Seed Reference Image

Liquidambar seed photo shows tiny size.

Sweetgums are fast-growing, adaptable natives—worth the propagation effort.