Growing Woody Plants from Seed

Bryce Lane, Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor Emeritus and Lecturer Emeritus, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University

  • Saturday, October 18, 2025 – 9:00 am–12:30 pm

Register (In-person Participants) Register (Online Participants)

While dividing perennials and taking cuttings often get all the attention, growing woody plants from seed offers a whole new world of possibilities. From trees and shrubs to vines and groundcovers, seed propagation gives you the chance to expand your garden, preserve rare species, and enjoy the thrill of watching life begin from scratch.

seedlings in a container

In this hands-on class, you'll explore the fascinating science behind how woody plants reproduce from seed and how to turn that knowledge into gardening success. We'll cover everything from seed anatomy to the environmental triggers that signal a seed to wake up and grow. You'll learn how to collect, store, and prepare seeds, how to overcome dormancy, and how to give seedlings the best possible start.

Then, we'll take the learning outside. After the lecture portion, you'll head into the arboretum’s gardens to collect seeds from our diverse plant collection—yours to take home and attempt to grow out next spring.

Course Topics Include:
  • Seed morphology—understanding the structure and function of seeds
  • Best practices for collecting seeds from woody plants
  • Proper seed storage to maintain viability
  • Techniques for overcoming seed dormancy
  • Germination requirements for different species
  • Tips for nurturing seedlings into healthy young plants
Why Attend?
  • Expand Your Plant Palette – Grow unique and interesting woody plants from seed.
  • Hands-On Experience – Learn in the classroom, then apply your knowledge in the garden.
  • Practical, Proven Techniques – Get step-by-step guidance you can replicate at home.
  • Expert Instruction – Learn from Bryce Lane, an experienced educator and passionate propagator.
Sign Up Today!

Whether you’re looking to grow something rare, save money, or simply enjoy the satisfaction of starting plants from seed, this class will give you the skills—and the seeds—to get started!

About Bryce Lane

Bryce has been teaching students, home gardeners and garden professionals for over 40 years. Many may know Bryce from his UNC TV public television show called "In the Garden With Bryce Lane" which was on the air for 11 seasons and won three Emmys. Others may know him as a student from his time in the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University.

Bryce Lane

Growing up in Western Massachusetts, Bryce discovered his passion for plants and telling others about them while working at a local garden center through high school and college. After earning his B.S. in plant science from the University of Massachusetts in 1979 and an M.S. in horticulture from The Ohio State University in 1981, he came to the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University where he taught in the two-year and four-year programs, majors and non-majors, served as the undergraduate coordinator and even the interim director of the JC Raulston Arboretum.

He has received numerous local, regional, and national teaching awards and is frequently invited to speak at many workshops and symposia, about teaching as well as horticulture and gardening. Most importantly, he has been married for over 45 years to his high school sweetheart, has two happily married daughters, and six incredible grandchildren. He is an avid gardener who has gardened in the same spot for more than 40 years with many stories, advice and passion to share with other gardeners regardless of their experience!

Cost
$60.00 for JCRA Members, $80.00 for nonmembers.
Registration

Advance registration is required. Registration is available for in-person, on-site attendance or online attendance.

Registration is considered complete when payment is received. You will receive a confirmation receipt from notify@cashnet.com when registered.

Cancellation
Program cancellations can be made up to two weeks before the program's start date. No refunds will be made after this time. A 15% cancellation fee applies.
Location
Online and in person at the Ruby C. McSwain Education Center, JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606.
Directions
Need directions? Click here.
Parking
Free parking is available at the JC Raulston Arboretum and along Beryl Road.
Questions
Contact the JCRA Education Team at jcraprograms@ncsu.edu for more information about this program.