Bigleaf Linden (Tilia Platyphyllos) 10 seeds (#93)

Elegant and stately when seen in a park or lining a boulevard, bigleaf linden is a versatile shade and specimen tree for spacious landscapes. A large deciduous tree from Europe where it is celebrated, it becomes an upright tree with a broad column-like stature. Although called "bigleaf", the size of its leaves are only marginally larger than other lindens called "littleleaf". The bark is sandy brown to brown and is ridged and furrowed; the young twigs are red-brown and hairy, one of this species' distinguishing features.
The dark green leaves are wide ovals that taper to a point. Glossy, the leaf edges are lined in tiny teeth. They occur on the haired sienna brown twigs. In midsummer, pendent clusters of fragrant off-white flowers occur, attracting nectar-seeking bees in profusion. The ribbed, pea-sized, whitish tan fruits (nutlets) dangle downward and are showiest in late summer. In fall the foliage becomes yellow to yellow-green.
Grow big leaved linden in full to partial sun in a fertile, deep, moist soil that ideally is neutral to alkaline in pH. This species is tolerant of acidy soils as well as air pollution and drought once established. It handles shearing well and can be used as a large estate hedgerow or wide boulevard allee. It is equally impressive as a park tree when its lowest branches remain and creates a massive gumdrop-shaped effect atop the lawn. Unfortunately, Japanese beetles enjoy lunch with this tree.

Genus - Tilia
Species - Platyphyllos
Common name - Bigleaf Linden
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 4 - 6
Height - 60'-80' / 18 - 24 m
Spread - 30'-50' / 9 - 15 m
Plant type - Tree
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Clay, loam, sand
Water requirements - Drought tolerant, average water
Landscape uses - Feature Plant, Hedges, Shade Trees, Street Trees
Bloom season - Early summer
Leaf / Flower color - Green / Light Yellow, Ivory

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Soak the seeds for a few hours in warm water.
2. Mix the seeds with moist vermiculite or sterile sand, place in the zip-bag. Close it and gently shake to distribute the seeds through the starting medium.
3. Place the bag in the refrigerator at +2-+7C (34-41F). The vegetable crisper works nicely for this!
4. Check on your seeds every two weeks. Add a bit of water if needed (but only to moisten). If any seeds begin to mold, remove them.
Generally, the seeds should be planted after 90 days of cold and moist stratification. But if the seeds start to show signs of germination (little sprouts), then remove them from the refrigerator and plant.
The seeds should be planted indoors in a seed tray or individual containers. Plant at a depth of the seed size. Keep the seedlings watered regularly – moist, but not wet. Set them in partial sunlight.
After the last frost in your area, you can transplant the seedlings outside. Be sure to pay close attention to your little trees especially during the first two years – watering regularly and protecting them from mowers and wildlife. (info source: spsmw.org).