Seeds are released by  the opening of fruit sutures or decay of the fruit wall. Most  seeds are dispersed during fall and winter by wind and animals.  Many seeds are injured by insects. Those that fall to the ground  usually remain dormant for several years (1).

    For artificial propagation, seeds should be collected, cleaned,  and dried when ripe to avoid insect damage. Dried seeds can be  stored in sealed glass or metal containers at 2' to 5' C (35' to  41° F). Seed treatment is necessary for propagation because  redbud shows delayed germination due to impermeability of the  seed coat to water and dormancy of the embryo (1). The seed coat  can be made permeable to water by mechanical scarification or by  immersion in boiling water or in concentrated sulfuric acid for  about 30 minutes. After scarifying, seeds should be stratified in  moist sand at about 5° C (41' F) for 5 to 8 weeks (14).

    Prepared seeds should be sown in well-prepared seedbeds in late  April or early May (14). Moist soil should cover seeds at a  maximum depth of 0.5 em (0.2 in). Propagation can also be  accomplished by layering or cuttings.