Franklin Tree Seeds (Franklinia alatamaha)
Franklin Tree Seeds (Franklinia alatamaha)
Historic rarity. Summer bloom. Autumn fire.
Franklinia alatamaha, the Franklin Tree, is one of the rarest and most storied trees in the world. Extinct in the wild since the early 1800s, every living Franklin Tree today descends from seeds collected by John and William Bartram along Georgia’s Altamaha River—named in honor of their friend Benjamin Franklin. Growing this tree is both a gardener’s triumph and a conservation act.
- Extinct in the wild since ~1803; preserved only in cultivation
- Camellia-like white flowers with golden centers bloom late summer into fall
- Glossy leaves blaze scarlet and orange in autumn
- A true collector’s tree and living piece of American history
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Franklinia alatamaha
- Germination Rate: 56%
- Harvest Year: 2023
- Seed Source: Pennsylvania
- Stratification: Required (90–120 days cold stratification)
- USDA Zones: 5–8
- Soil: Acidic, well-drained sandy or loamy soils
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Mature Size: 10–20 ft tall × 6–15 ft wide
- Growth Rate: Slow (6–12 inches per year)
- Lifespan: 50–150 years
Plant Franklin Tree seeds and grow a piece of history—an American original with unmatched rarity and beauty.
Related Seeds
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
Total items
Product subtotal