Sumac, also known as Staghorn sumac or Rhus typhina

Sumac, also known as Staghorn sumac or Rhus typhina, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is native to North America and is known for its striking red autumn foliage and clusters of red berries that appear in the summer. The plant grows up to 30 feet tall and prefers well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.

Historically, Sumac has been used by indigenous peoples for food, medicine, and dye. The berries were used as a spice in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, and the leaves and bark were used to make a tea that was used to treat diarrhea, fever, and sore throat.

Fun fact: Sumac is also used to make a tangy, lemony-flavored drink called Sumac Lemonade.

To grow Sumac from seeds, you will need:

Sumac (Staghorn sumac) seeds
Sand or vermiculite (for seed preparation)
Seed compost
Water
A sunny spot in your garden

Here are the steps to grow Sumac from seeds:

Prepare the Sumac seeds by soaking them in water for 24 hours. Bring a pot of water to a boil, turn off, toss the seeds in, and leave until the water cools. Make a 1:1 sand-soil mixture, and add the seeds. Pour the mixture into a plastic bag and place in a refrigerator for 4 weeks.
Mix the Sumac seeds with sand or vermiculite to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Fill a seed tray or pots with seed compost and water it well.
Take them out of the refrigerator after the 4 weeks and sow the Sumac seeds on the surface of the compost and cover with a thin layer of compost.
Water the seeds gently and place the tray or pots in a sunny spot in your garden.
Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged.
Transplant the seedlings into their final position when they are around 2-3 inches tall.

Sumac berries are typically harvested in the late summer or early fall when they are ripe and have turned a deep red color. To harvest the berries, simply pluck them off the branches and remove any leaves or debris.

The berries of Sumac are used as a spice in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, where they add a tart, lemony flavor to dishes such as salads, meats, and dips. They can also be used to make Sumac Lemonade, which is a refreshing summer drink.

Medicinally, Sumac has been used to treat a range of conditions, including diarrhea, sore throat, and fever. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. However, it is important to consult a medical professional before using Sumac for any medicinal purposes.

Below are some of the items we feel will help when growing your seeds.

Below are products we believe will be beneficial to you as you grow your seeds. We have tried to locate items that are priced well as well as quality for the dollar value. Please note many of these are affiliate links and I will receive compensation for some of the items below. By using affiliate links, we can keep the cost of our products down and share the savings with you.

Microgreens Indoor Growing Kit – Includes Microgreens Tray, Microgreens Organic Seeds, Mats and Bamboo Surround. Soil Free. Easy to Set up. Self Watering Sprouting Kit. Guaranteed to Grow.

15 Pack Jute Grow Mat for Microgreens- Hydroponic Grow Pads Fits for Standard 10″ X 20″ Germination Trays Home Micro Greens Plant Growing Kit for Wheatgrass Sprouts and Organic Production

Microgreens Grow Kit, Self-Watering Microgreens Growing Kit – Sprouts Growing Kit, Sprouting Kit, Micro Greens Starter Kits with Microgreens Tray, No Soil Needed. 2 Refills

Plant Grow Light 6 Packs. T5 Samsung＆Full Spectrum 3500K 6500K＆Red LED with Auto Cycle Timer. 3/6/12Hours Dual Channel 4 Brightness Level Growing Lamp for Indoor Plants from Seeding to Harvest.

Sprouting Jars with Mesh Lids, Microgreens Growing Kit, Sprouts Growing Kit, Wide Mouth Mason Jar, Seed Germination Kit, Indoor Sprouter Set for Growing Organic Broccoli Alfalfa Beans (2 Pack)

Superfood Microgreens Indoor Growing Kit with 3 Starter Seed Pod Trays and Grow Light, Smart Indoor Garden (Ceramic) | Jet Black

Plastic Growing Trays, 5 Pack, Black, Plant Tray, Seed Tray, Seedling Tray, Propagation Tray, Plant Trays for Seedlings, Planting Trays, Microgreens Growing Trays, Seedling Starter Trays

10 Pads Jute Plant Grow Mat Hemp Mats for Microgreens Growing 10″ X 20″ Hydroponic Grow Pads for 1020 Growing Trays Indoor Sprouting kit for Microgreens Wheatgrass Sprouts Organic Production

10 Packs Seed Starter Tray Seed Starter Kit with Humidity Dome (120 Cells Total Tray) Seed Starting Trays Plant Starter Kit and Base Mini Greenhouse Germination Kit for Seeds Growing Starting

Sun & Sprouts Complete Sprouting Kit – 2 Large Wide-Mouth Mason Jars, Premium Screen lids, Blackout Sleeves, Tray and sprouter Stand – for Growing Broccoli, Mung Bean, Alfalfa Sprout from Seed

Pack Seed Starter Kit Including Seed Starter Tray Peat Pots for Seedlings with Plant Labels, Tool, Plastic Growing Trays Germination Tray Paper Seedling Cups for Indoor Outdoor Garden

5-Set Garden Propagator Set, Seed Tray Kits with 200-Cell, Seed Starter Tray with Dome and Base 15″ x 9″ (40-Cell Per Tray)

3″ Seed Starter Tray 20 Pack peat pots for seedlings,with Humidity Dome,Biodegradable,3 Pcs Mini Seedling Tools

100 Pack 2.35″ Square Plant & Seed Starter Peat Pots – Biodegradable Compostable Nursery Pots for Vegetables or Herbs – Use for Germination or Seedlings

Seedling Starter Trays, 720 Cells: (120 Trays; 6-Cells Per Tray), Plus 5 Plant Labels

200 Cell, 10pcs-Pack Thick Durable Flats Vegetable Fruit Seeds Seedling Trays for Roots Propagation

3″ x 20″ Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set

Indoor Garden Hydroponic Growing System: Plant Germination Kit Aeroponic Herb Vegetable Growth Lamp Countertop with LED Grow Light

Hydroponics Growing System 10 Pods, inbloom Indoor Herb Garden with LEDs Full-Spectrum Plant Grow Light, Water Shortage Alarm, Automatic Timer, Height Adjustable(7” to 15.2”), 4.2L Water Tank, Black

Hydroponics Growing System 12Pods, Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light, Plants Germination Kit, Built-in Fan, Automatic Timer, Adjustable Height Up to 11.3″ for Home, Office

Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide: 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow, and Use

Seed Sprouter Tray Seed Germination Tray Nursery Tray for Seedling Planting Big Capacity Healthy Wheatgrass Grower Sprouting Container Kit with Lid, Suit for Kitchen Garden Home Office, BPA Free

The Forager’s Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants

6×8 FT Hybrid Polycarbonate Greenhouse 2 Vent Window with Lockable Hinged Door Walk-in Hobby Greenhouse Aluminum Hot House for Outdoor Garden Backyard Silver