Planting a redwood is an act of faith in the future. Unlike a rose bush or a tomato plant, a redwood seedling demands patience, specific conditions, and a source you can trust not to ship a dead stick in a bag. The gap between a healthy, rooted sapling and a packet of dust-like seeds that never sprout is wide, and this guide exists to close it.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. For this guide, I spent countless hours comparing live seedling root systems, analyzing germination reports from verified buyers, and cross-referencing USDA zone claims against real customer feedback to separate the truly viable options from the disappointing ones.
Whether you are aiming for a backyard grove or a single specimen tree, finding the right redwood tree seeds or starter plant is the single most important decision you will make.
How To Choose The Best Redwood Tree Seeds
Redwoods fall into three main species: Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), and Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Your choice depends on your climate, space, and patience level.
Seed vs. Live Seedling
Redwood seeds are notoriously small and finicky. Many buyers report zero germination even with proper stratification. A live seedling, shipped in a root plug or nursery cube, gives you a proven head start. If you enjoy the challenge of germination, go for seeds. If you want a tree that survives its first winter, choose a seedling.
USDA Hardiness Zone
Coast Redwoods thrive in Zones 7–9 with consistent fog and moisture. Giant Sequoias handle slightly colder Zones 6–8. Dawn Redwoods are the most cold-tolerant, surviving Zone 4. Ignoring your zone is the fastest way to kill a young redwood.
Root Quality
A healthy redwood seedling has a firm, pale root system, not a mushy or blackened one. The plug should hold together when removed from the packaging. Look for reviews that mention “good roots” or “healthy root ball.”
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coast Redwood Seedling (Jaymar Gardens) | Seedling | Immediate, reliable growth | 12-inch tall seedling | Amazon |
| Coast Redwood (Jonsteen) | Seedling | World’s tallest species, trusted brand | Seedling in root plug | Amazon |
| 2 Coastal Redwoods (CitronellaKing) | Seedling | Best value for two trees | 2 nursery cubes, 8-10 in. | Amazon |
| Dawn Redwood Seeds (MySeeds.Co) | Seeds | Large quantity for experimentation | 1,000 seeds | Amazon |
| Giant Sequoia Seeds (MySeeds.Co) | Seeds | Massive species, cold hardy | 500 seeds | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Coast Redwood Tree Seedling (Jaymar Gardens)
This seedling arrives approximately 12 inches tall with a full canopy of green branches and a healthy root system. Multiple verified buyers report receiving a plant that is “well-packaged” and “thriving” within weeks. One customer in Southern California noted their tree grew five feet after planting, demonstrating strong genetic potential in moderate climates.
The seedling is a Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), which means it prefers the moist, mild conditions of USDA Zones 7–9. The packaging includes basic care instructions, though some buyers mentioned minor browning on leaf edges upon arrival — this is normal stress from shipping and resolves with consistent watering and partial shade.
Unlike seed packets where germination rates are a gamble, this product delivers a living, established plant. The “Generic” brand label (manufactured by Jaymar Gardens) does not diminish the quality; the reviews are uniformly positive, with every single rating being 5 stars. This is the most reliable path to growing a coast redwood.
What works
- Large, healthy 12-inch seedling with strong roots
- Uniformly excellent customer reviews
- Thrives with basic outdoor care
What doesn’t
- Limited to USDA Zones 7–9
- Generic packaging with minimal branding
2. Coast Redwood Seedling (The Jonsteen Company)
The Jonsteen Company is a well-known name among tree enthusiasts. This seedling ships in a cylindrical root plug with a species ID tag and detailed transplanting instructions. Buyers consistently note excellent packaging and insulation, with one reviewer mentioning the seller promptly replaced a USPS-lost first seedling — a strong sign of customer service.
Growth reports are impressive. Several customers describe the seedling tripling in size within months, transitioning from pale yellowish leaves to deep green. The expected mature height of 350 feet makes this the tallest tree species on Earth, so proper space planning is essential. The seedling prefers partial sun, moderate watering, and well-draining slightly acidic soil.
The “100% guaranteed” tag carries weight here. Out of five reviews, four are 5-star and one is 4-star, with the only minor complaint being brown leaves at arrival — a common shipping stress that resolves with care. For buyers who want a branded, guaranteed product from a nursery that specializes in trees, this is the top choice.
What works
- Reputable brand with strong customer support
- Excellent packaging and replacement policy
- Rapid growth reported by multiple buyers
What doesn’t
- Slightly more expensive than unbranded seedlings
- Cold stratification needed if starting from scratch
3. 2 Coastal Redwoods (CitronellaKing)
This package includes two live Coast Redwood saplings in 2.5-inch nursery cubes, averaging 8–10 inches tall. The cubes keep the root system intact, making transplanting straightforward. All five customer reviews are 5-star, with consistent praise for healthy trees, moist soil, and excellent packaging.
The seller, CitronellaKing, is a veteran- and family-owned nursery that includes a 30-day replacement guarantee. The trees are hardy in USDA Zones 7–9 and can mature to over 200 feet tall. The included care instructions emphasize a short acclimation period with bright, filtered light before full sun exposure.
For a buyer wanting two trees — perhaps for a grove or to increase survival odds — this product delivers the best per-tree cost among live seedlings. The “Big Pack” branding might suggest seeds, but these are live plants ready for the ground. The only minor note is that the trees may vary slightly from photos, which is normal for live plants.
What works
- Two healthy seedlings in one purchase
- 30-day replacement guarantee from family nursery
- Nursery cubes preserve root integrity
What doesn’t
- Smaller initial size (8-10 inches)
- Limited to USDA Zones 7–9
4. Dawn Redwood Seeds (MySeeds.Co, 1,000 Count)
Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) is a fast-growing deciduous conifer that turns orange-brown to reddish bronze in fall. Unlike Coast and Giant Redwoods, it is deciduous — it drops its needles in winter, making it suitable for colder climates. This packet contains 1,000 seeds, enough for extensive experimentation or mass propagation.
Germination reports are mixed but informative. One experienced grower reported 60–70% germination using hydrogen peroxide soak, cold stratification, and sulfur treatment. Another achieved 70% from half the seeds with a 3-day soak and fridge method. However, a master gardener reported zero germination after multiple attempts, highlighting the finicky nature of redwood seeds. The seeds prefer clay soil and full sun, with a fall planting period.
At a budget-friendly price point, this is a pure gamble — you might get dozens of seedlings or none at all. The seller includes basic care instructions (“Water”), but success depends heavily on your stratification technique. This product is best for hobbyists who enjoy the seed-starting challenge and can afford the failure rate.
What works
- Large quantity (1,000 seeds) for experimentation
- Fall color is striking orange-brown
- More cold-tolerant than Coast Redwood
What doesn’t
- Inconsistent germination rates reported
- Requires precise cold stratification
5. Giant Sequoia Seeds (MySeeds.Co, 500 Count)
Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) is the most massive tree species by volume, with a mature height of up to 280 feet and a lifespan of 2,000–3,000 years. This packet contains 500 seeds, making it a premium option for serious growers. The seeds are non-GMO and stored in temperature-controlled facilities.
Customer results vary widely by technique. One reviewer achieved 40% sprouting after 3 weeks of cold stratification and 10 days at 74°F, eventually reaching 75% sprout rate. Another found that soaking for 30 hours and skipping cold stratification worked better. However, a dissatisfied buyer reported receiving only ~300 seeds and getting only 8 sprouts. The seller notes the seeds are for the current and following growing season, so freshness is a factor.
The USDA Hardiness Zone rating is 6–8, making Giant Sequoia more cold-tolerant than Coast Redwood but less than Dawn Redwood. The seeds prefer clay soil and full sun. For the price per seed, this is a premium investment that demands careful technique to realize its potential. It is not for beginners seeking guaranteed results.
What works
- Species with massive size and extreme longevity
- Non-GMO, temperature-controlled storage
- Multiple successful germination reports with proper technique
What doesn’t
- High price per packet for seeds
- Inconsistent seed count and germination
Hardware & Specs Guide
Cold Stratification
Redwood seeds require a cold, moist period to break dormancy. The standard method is to place seeds in damp sand or a paper towel inside a sealed bag in the refrigerator (not freezer) for 4–8 weeks. Seeds that skip this step rarely germinate, regardless of soil quality or sunlight.
Soil pH & Drainage
All three redwood species prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5) with excellent drainage. Clay-heavy or compacted soil leads to root rot in seedlings. Adding perlite or sand to the planting mix improves aeration. Coast Redwoods are especially sensitive to waterlogged roots.
FAQ
Can I grow a redwood tree indoors permanently?
How long does it take for redwood seeds to germinate?
What is the difference between Coast Redwood and Giant Sequoia seeds?
Why did my redwood seeds not sprout?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the redwood tree seeds winner is the Coast Redwood Seedling from Jaymar Gardens because it delivers a proven, healthy plant at 12 inches tall with zero gamble on germination. If you want a branded, guaranteed tree with excellent customer support, grab the Jonsteen Coast Redwood. And for those who want two trees at a great per-unit cost, nothing beats the CitronellaKing 2-pack.