Redwood sorrel seeds are the gateway to cultivating the iconic giants of the Pacific coast — from the towering Coast Redwood to the massive Giant Sequoia. Choosing the right seed packet is the difference between a thriving grove and a flat of empty pots.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I spend my time cross-referencing germination protocols, seed source reputations, and hundreds of buyer reports to separate high-viability seed lots from overpriced duds.
This guide breaks down the top five options on the market by seed count, germination difficulty, and tree species so you can confidently pick the best redwood sorrel seeds for your long-term planting project.
How To Choose The Best Redwood Sorrel Seeds
Picking the right redwood sorrel seeds is more about germination prep than the packet itself. Every species — Coast Redwood, Dawn Redwood, Giant Sequoia — demands a specific cold stratification window, and seed viability drops fast if the seed lot is old or was stored warm. Focus on seed count relative to your space, seller reputation for fresh stock, and whether you prefer the fast head start of a live seedling over starting from seed.
Seed Count vs. Germination Rate
A 500-seed packet sounds impressive, but redwood germination rates often land between 30% and 70% with proper technique. High-count packs from MySeeds.Co give you more attempts to hit your target number of saplings, while lower-count or single-seedling options cut out the waiting game entirely. Match the quantity to how many mature trees you actually plan to plant.
Cold Stratification Requirements
Every redwood species needs a cold, moist period to break dormancy — typically 21 to 30 days at refrigerator temperatures. Dawn Redwood seeds respond well to short stratification, while Giant Sequoia may need up to 60 days. If you lack fridge space or patience, a live seedling like the Jonsteen plug skips this step and gives you a rooted plant immediately.
Species Selection for Your Climate
Coast Redwood thrives in USDA zones 7 through 9 with high humidity and fog. Giant Sequoia tolerates colder winters down to zone 6. Dawn Redwood is the most adaptable, handling zone 5 winters and clay soils. Your local frost dates, rainfall, and summer heat will determine which species actually survives its first decade.
Packaging and Freshness Guarantees
Redwood seeds lose viability quickly if exposed to heat or moisture during shipping. Look for sellers that use sealed mylar or double-bagged packaging with a harvest date. MySeeds.Co and Jonsteen both store seeds in temperature-controlled facilities, which significantly improves your odds compared to unbranded bulk lots.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coast Redwood Seedling (Jonsteen) | Live Plug | Zero-effort start | 12-inch seedling with root plug | Amazon |
| Giant Sequoia (MySeeds.Co) | Bulk Seed | Highest seed count | 500 seeds per pack | Amazon |
| Dawn Redwood (MySeeds.Co) | Bulk Seed | Fast-germinating deciduous | 1,000 seeds per pack | Amazon |
| California Redwood (MySeeds.Co) | Seed Pack | Mid-sized seed lot | 200 seeds per pack | Amazon |
| Snow in Summer (Marde Ross) | Ground Cover | Quick ornamental ground fill | 3,500 seeds per pack | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Coast Redwood | Medium Tree Seedling | The Jonsteen Company
This is not a seed pack — it is a live Coast Redwood seedling grown from seed on California’s Redwood Coast, shipped in a cylindrical root plug. The Jonsteen Company has a strong track record for packing insulation and tree health, and the seedling arrives with a species ID tag and transplanting instructions. Multiple verified buyers report the tree tripling in size within months when given partial sun and consistent moisture.
The key advantage here is certainty. While seeds can fail from poor stratification, this plug skips the most finicky stage and hands you a rooted plant that is already photosynthesizing. Buyers who received a slightly bent trunk or pale leaves saw rapid recovery with proper care. The company also replaced a lost shipment quickly, showing solid customer service.
For anyone who wants a living redwood without the gamble of seed germination, this is the most time-efficient option. The 0.75-pound root plug is large enough to transplant into a gallon pot or directly into well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Funnel-shaped needles can indicate low humidity — a simple misting routine solves that.
What works
- Live seedling eliminates stratification guesswork
- Consistent growth reports with partial sun and regular water
- Responsive seller with replacement guarantee
What doesn’t
- Single plant — no bulk for multiple trees
- Needs misting in dry heat to avoid needle tip burn
2. Big Pack – (500) Giant Sequoia, Sequoiadendron giganteum Tree Seeds by MySeeds.Co
This 500-seed pack of Giant Sequoia (the most massive tree species on earth) comes from MySeeds.Co, a seller known for temperature-controlled storage and double-sealed packaging. The species is cold-hardy to zone 6, making it a better fit for colder winters than Coast Redwood. Buyer reports show a 40% to 75% germination rate when cold stratification is executed correctly for 3 to 4 weeks.
Successful germination stories mention soaking seeds for 30 hours, then planting in well-draining soil like a cactus mix under an LED grow light. Some users achieved sprouts without any cold stratification by soaking only, but most agree that stratification boosts rate. A handful of buyers received closer to 300 seeds instead of the advertised 500, which is worth verifying upon arrival.
At roughly 10 cents per seed, this pack balances quantity and species prestige. If you have the space and climate for a tree that can live 3,000 years, the raw seed cost is negligible compared to the payoff. Just budget for a dedicated refrigerator space for the stratification period.
What works
- High seed count for mass sowing trials
- Species tolerates colder zones than Coast Redwood
- Multiple verified reports of 40-75% germination with stratification
What doesn’t
- Some packets arrived under count
- Low germination if stratification is skipped or rushed
3. Big Pack – (1,000) Dawn Redwood Tree Seeds – Metasequoia glyptostroboides by MySeeds.Co
Dawn Redwood is the deciduous conifer that turns a brilliant orange-brown in fall and tolerates clay soil better than its evergreen cousins. This 1,000-seed pack from MySeeds.Co gives you the highest seed count on this list. Multiple verified buyers report 50% to 70% germination with a simple soak-and-refrigerate method — one user germinated 189 out of 200 seeds using warm water and damp paper towels.
The species is critically endangered in the wild, so growing from seed also has conservation appeal. Germination does not require the long stratification that Giant Sequoia demands, which cuts the waiting time by a week or more. Some floaters in the seed lot still germinated, indicating that the stock is reasonably fresh despite the large quantity.
The main drawback is the deciduous nature — if you want an evergreen windbreak, this is not the choice. But for a fast-growing specimen tree that can handle wet feet and clay, the Dawn Redwood is the most forgiving redwood to start from seed. The price-per-seed is extremely low, making this ideal for experimentation.
What works
- Highest seed count at low per-seed cost
- Tolerates clay and damp soil better than other redwoods
- Fast and colorful fall foliage display
What doesn’t
- Deciduous — no winter greenery
- Some batches showed germination below 50%
4. Cedar, Dogwood, Pine, Redwood, Spruce, Tree Seed by MySeeds.Co (1 Pack, California Redwood – Big Pack)
This 200-seed pack of California Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is a mid-sized option for growers who want the species that grows to 350 feet tall without committing to a massive bulk bag. MySeeds.Co double-seals the packet and stores the seeds in a climate-controlled facility. The expected height of 250 to 380 feet and hardiness zone 7 through 9 make this strictly a mild-climate tree.
One verified buyer reported 189 out of 200 seeds germinated using warm water soak and damp soil — an impressive 94.5% success rate. However, other reviewers had zero germination even with heat mats and professional setups. The variance suggests that seed lot freshness and packaging temperature during shipping play a huge role. The winter-hardiness is zone 9 on the warm end, limiting its range.
For a focused project — say, planting a row of Coast Redwoods on a foggy coastal property — this 200-seed pack is enough to produce several strong saplings after culling the weak ones. Just expect to invest in a reliable stratification protocol and consider ordering during cooler months to avoid heat damage in transit.
What works
- Strong germination reported by some buyers
- Manageable 200-count for small projects
- GMO-free packaging from a reputable brand
What doesn’t
- Inconsistent results — some packs saw zero sprouts
- Not suitable for zone 6 or colder winters
5. 3500 Snow in Summer Seeds – Great Ground Cover, Xeriscape – Perennial
Snow in Summer (Cerastium tomentosum) is not a tree — it is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial ground cover that produces white blooms in summer. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it a good fit for xeriscape gardens. This 3,500-seed pack from Marde Ross & Company is non-GMO and neonicotinoid-free, and the seller has been a licensed California nursery since 1985.
Customer feedback is mixed — some buyers report fast, pretty growth, while others saw zero germination across multiple soil media and conditions. The species does not require cold stratification and can be direct-sown on bare soil, which makes it beginner-friendly in theory, but the inconsistent germination suggests the seed lot may be aged or heat-exposed. Afternoon shade in hot climates may improve results.
If you need a budget-friendly, fast-spreading filler for a sunny, dry slope, Snow in Summer covers bare ground quickly when the seeds actually sprout. Just buy with the expectation that you will need to overseed heavily. For the seed count, the cost is almost negligible, but it is not a redwood species — include this only if you want an ornamental companion for your tree project.
What works
- Extremely high seed count for the cost
- Perfect for dry, full-sun xeriscape areas
- Non-GMO and neonic-free
What doesn’t
- Frequent reports of zero germination
- Not a redwood species — ornamental only
Hardware & Specs Guide
Cold Stratification Duration
Redwood seeds require a cold, moist period to break dormancy. Coast Redwood and Giant Sequoia typically need 21 to 60 days at 33-41°F in a refrigerator. Dawn Redwood is more forgiving, with some growers succeeding after just 4 days of stratification. Skipping this step often results in zero germination, so plan your sowing calendar around a dedicated fridge slot.
Usda Hardiness Zones
Coast Redwood thrives in zones 7-9 with fog and humidity. Giant Sequoia tolerates colder winters in zones 6-8. Dawn Redwood is the most adaptable, surviving zone 5 winters and handling clay soil better than its cousins. Check your zone before buying — planting a Coast Redwood in a zone 5 winter is a losing battle without serious protection.
Seed Count vs. Expected Germination
Germination rates for redwood seeds range from 30% to 70% with proper technique. A 500-seed pack may yield 150 to 350 viable seedlings after culling. The Jonsteen live seedling bypasses this math entirely — you get one guaranteed tree. For bulk packs, factor in a 50% germination floor and sow accordingly to hit your target number of saplings.
Soil and Moisture Preferences
All redwoods prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Coast Redwood needs consistent moisture and high humidity. Dawn Redwood tolerates clay and wet feet. Giant Sequoia performs best in sandy loam with moderate watering. Overwatering in dense potting soil kills seedlings faster than underwatering — use a cactus or palm mix for seed starting.
FAQ
Do I really need to refrigerate redwood seeds before planting?
Can I grow a Coast Redwood in a cold northern climate?
How many viable seedlings should I expect from a 500-seed pack?
Is a live seedling better than starting from seed?
Why did some of my redwood seeds not germinate even with stratification?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best redwood sorrel seeds winner is the Coast Redwood Seedling from The Jonsteen Company because it eliminates the stratification gamble and hands you a live, rooted tree that grows fast with basic care. If you want maximum seed count for mass planting, grab the Dawn Redwood 1,000-seed pack from MySeeds.Co. And for a cold-hardy species that tolerates zone 6 winters, nothing beats the Giant Sequoia 500-seed pack.