Sassafras

What you'll need:

Sassafras seeds or a young tree sapling (easier for beginners)

A large pot or space in your garden

Well-draining soil (sassafras likes loose, sandy soil but can grow in other types too)

Compost or organic matter to enrich the soil

Mulch (to help retain moisture and protect roots)

When to start:

Sassafras trees are best planted in early spring or fall. This gives the plant time to establish its roots before extreme temperatures set in. If you're using seeds, you’ll need to stratify them (mimic winter conditions) by keeping them in the fridge for a few months before planting.

Choosing the right spot:

Sassafras loves sunlight, so pick a place where it gets plenty of light—6-8 hours of direct sun is ideal. It’s also a hardy tree that does well in partial shade if full sun isn’t available. Make sure there's enough room for it to grow; sassafras trees can reach 30-60 feet tall and spread out wide!

Tip: If you’re transplanting a sapling, dig the hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball to give the roots space to settle.

If using seeds:

1. After stratifying the seeds in your fridge, take them out and soak them in water overnight.
2. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in small pots filled with loose, moist soil.
3. Keep the pots in a warm, bright location, like a sunny windowsill or under grow lights.
4. Water lightly whenever the topsoil feels dry.
5. Once seedlings are a few inches tall and have several sets of leaves, they’re ready to be transplanted outside or into larger pots.

If using a sapling:

1. Dig a hole that’s twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
2. Gently loosen the roots if they seem tightly bound.
3. Place the sapling in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground.
4. Backfill the hole with soil, gently pressing down to remove air pockets.
5. Water thoroughly after planting.

Planting tips:

• Space each sassafras tree at least 15-20 feet apart if planting more than one. They need room to grow!
• Add some compost or organic matter to the soil when planting to give the tree a nutrient boost.
• Mulch around the base of the tree, but don’t pile mulch up against the trunk (this helps avoid rot).

Watering:

• Young sassafras trees need regular watering during their first year to establish strong roots. Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
• Once established, sassafras is pretty drought-tolerant. You only need to water during long dry spells.

Feeding:

• Sassafras doesn’t require heavy feeding. Adding a layer of compost or organic mulch once a year will provide all the nutrients it needs.
• Avoid over-fertilizing; too much fertilizer can cause weak growth.

Pruning:

• Prune your sassafras tree in late winter or early spring to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
• Sassafras tends to send up suckers (small shoots from the base). You can either leave them to grow into a thicket or prune them if you want a single-trunk tree.

Sunlight & Temperature:

• Sassafras thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• It’s a tough tree that handles a range of temperatures, but it prefers zones 4-9. If you live in an area with harsh winters, mulching heavily around the base will help protect the roots.

Pests & Diseases:

• Sassafras is generally pest-free, but watch out for leaf spots or mildew, especially in humid climates. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can prevent these issues.

What to harvest:

You won’t be harvesting "fruit" from your sassafras tree, but you can collect leaves, bark, and roots for various uses. Here’s what to look for:

• Leaves: Harvest fresh green leaves anytime during the growing season. These can be dried and ground into the famous "filé powder" used in gumbo.
• Bark & Roots: The bark and roots are typically harvested in early spring or fall. They contain the oils that give sassafras its distinct flavor.

How to harvest:

1. Leaves: Simply pluck healthy leaves from the tree. Dry them in a cool, shaded area or use a dehydrator.
2. Bark: Use a sharp knife to carefully peel off thin strips of bark from small branches or twigs. Don’t strip too much from one area.
3. Roots: Dig around the base of the tree and cut small pieces of the roots. Be careful not to damage the main root system.

Using your harvest:

• Filé powder: Grind dried leaves into a fine powder and use it as a thickener for soups and stews.
• Tea: Boil small pieces of bark or roots to make a flavorful tea (just be cautious, as excessive consumption isn’t recommended).

Note: Always harvest responsibly and avoid taking too much from one tree to ensure its continued health.

Q: Why are my sassafras leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellowing leaves could mean the tree is getting too much water or not enough nutrients. Check the soil—if it’s soggy, reduce watering. Adding some compost might help if the soil is poor.

Q: Can sassafras grow in clay soil?

A: Yes, but it grows best in loose, sandy soils. If you have heavy clay soil, mix in some sand or organic matter to improve drainage.

Q: How fast does a sassafras tree grow?

A: Sassafras grows at a moderate pace—about 1-2 feet per year. With good care, you’ll see steady progress, though it may take a few years to become a sizable tree.

Q: Do I need to worry about sassafras spreading too much?

A: Sassafras sends up suckers, which can form a thicket if left unchecked. If you prefer a tidy, single-trunk tree, prune the suckers regularly. But if you want a naturalized area, let the suckers grow.

Q: Is sassafras safe to consume?

A: In small amounts, yes—leaves (for filé powder) and teas made from bark or roots are traditionally used. However, consuming large quantities of sassafras root oil (which contains safrole) is not recommended due to potential health risks.