London Plane Tree Seeds

London Plane Tree Seeds

(Platanus acerifolia)

Platanus acerifolia, commonly known as the London Plane tree, is a large, deciduous tree widely planted in urban areas for its resilience and attractive appearance. It is a hybrid between the American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) and the Oriental plane (Platanus orientalis), combining the best traits of both species.

The London Plane can grow up to 30 to 40 meters (around 100 to 130 feet) tall with a broad, spreading canopy that provides excellent shade. Its bark is distinctive — it peels away in patches, revealing a smooth, pale inner bark beneath, giving the trunk a mottled appearance. The leaves are large, maple-like, typically 10 to 25 centimeters across, with three to five lobes and a rough texture.

This tree is highly tolerant of pollution, compacted soils, and drought, which makes it a popular choice for street planting in cities worldwide. It produces spherical seed clusters that hang from the branches through winter and release seeds in the spring.

Platanus acerifolia is valued not only for its beauty and shade but also for its ability to improve urban air quality and reduce heat island effects. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil but is adaptable to a wide range of conditions. Regular pruning can help maintain its structure and health over time.

Zones: 4 to 8

Germination Range: 40-60%

Stratification Requirement: None Required

Planting Instructions:

Sow the seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix about 1/4 inch deep. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and place the container in a location with bright, indirect light and a temperature around 65-75°F (18-24°C). Germination can take anywhere from two to four weeks. Once seedlings develop several true leaves and are sturdy enough, they can be transplanted into larger pots or outdoors in a suitable location with enough space for the mature tree, which prefers full sun and moist, fertile soil.