BAYBERRY SEEDS

Myrica pensylvanica

Native to the Atlantic coastlines of northern North America, this hardy species produces a fragrant wax for candles and soap, as well as blue and gold dyes.

Bayberry bushes can become quite large, up to 8' in all directions, and will ultimately form an attractive deciduous thicket. Plants prefer to grow in moist acidic soil. Culture is very similar to that of wild blueberries, although Bayberry is somewhat more adaptable, tolerating periodic drought once established.

Seeds require careful preparation to germinate successfully. Manually remove any excessive wax (do not boil!) before tucking seeds into moist soil. Press to keep seed snug, cover with plastic to maintain moisture, and place pot into the refrigerator for around six weeks before returning to cool room temperature in bright light to germinate in 3-4 weeks. Alternatively, the pot may be placed in a sheltered location to overwinter outdoors before germinating in spring. Germination is erratic, so be patient!

Transplant well-rooted seedlings to a large container to grow through the first year. Extremely hardy, the young plants will overwinter outdoors without protection in all but the most harsh climates. Transplant to their permanent location in the autumn of the second year or spring of the third year. Mulch and water frequently until established.

Dioecious. At least three plants should be grown together to increase the likelihood of fertilization and thus berries. More is better. This is an ideal species to grow in otherwise barren acidic seasonal wetlands, as its roots fix nitrogen and tolerate winter wet. Beloved by diverse species of birds, but especially the Yellow Rumped Warbler. Highly recommended for natural landscapes and wildlife habitats.

To procure wax from these plants, the mature berries must be boiled to allow the wax to melt and float to the top. Once cooled, the wax is easily removed from the water and melted again to produce candles or soap. In the production of candles, the wax should be contained in jars or tins. Bayberry wax has a relatively low melting point and is not appropriate for use in tapers or pillars unless it is combined with a harder wax.

Blue dye may be produced from berries, and a beautiful gold dye from the leaves. A dye bath containing both berries and leaves will produce shades of green.

This species should not be confused with Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) a Mediterranean species whose leaves we know as the culinary “bay leaf". The leaves of Bayberry, though pleasantly fragrant, should probably not be consumed.

Packet contains at least 20 seeds.