Carolina-Allspice Seeds

currently unavailable One of the most fragrant flowers here at our farm is the Carolina allspice. The clusters of red flowers perfume the air in early summer with their clove like fragrance. The plants are vigorous and show no signs of deer browse. The large dark green leaves stay that way through summer even if under drought conditions.  The plantings we did at our farm were done in a rather wide open area in a frost pocket at the base of a hill. This area was not ideal and a few plants did not make it at first but as time went on, it turned out to be a good wind break plant as it is slightly stoloniferous and spreads ever so slowly outward from the original plantings. 

All plants produce flowers. It takes about 2-3 years to flower from seedling. The plants bark, leaves, and twigs also have a wonder camphor cinnamon type  fragrance too. It is not to be consumed in any way as it contains rather toxic compounds for humans to consume. There is said to be some selections that are more fragrant than others. I would say the selections I have are moderate in their perfume. I am not sure how to compare it as others have told me you can smell some wild types hundreds of feet away. I have not experienced that. 

Completely fine to grow under black walnuts and other lightly shaded areas.

This plant is a great ornamental plant and could be used in many locations as it is adaptable to a wide range of conditions. Its clean foliage and healthy growth habit plus its ability to runner all create a means to  establish the plant in locations not suitable for many types of shrubs. I feel this seed selection is hardier than other selections that often come from the southern part of its range. As I grew out the plants, it was evident this seed source was a keeper in Michigan. 

How to germinate the seeds: The seeds of carolina allspice are doubly dormant and require a warm period followed by a cold period, another warm period and then cold again. This would be considered two seasons outside. You can replicate this in the refrigerator. What I have done is do the one 120 dayrefrigeration period and then take out and put out at room temperature. Make sure there is good media that is lightly moist mixed with the seeds in a zip lock bag. Some seeds will sprout the first year but not many. Once summer and fall have come and gone, I put the bag back into the refrigerator until spring. Seeds will sprout very easy and grow prolifically within the first year.