Arctostaphylos uva-ursi seeds (Kinnikinick; Bearberry)

Description

PNW native.  A perky little creeping evergreen perfect for ground cover landscaping to wildlife forage. In Spring, small pink urn shaped flower clusters are produced in abundance and much loved by humble bees. In Autumn, bright red berries persist until taken by the local wild turkeys.  Yeah, we have wild turkeys here.  Small dark leaves on flexible stems so it will take a limited amount of traffic.

• Seed Count: 20-25
• Collection Date:  August 2023
• Hardiness Zone: 3-8
• Height and Width: 15 cm tall ground cover
• Preferred conditions: full sun; average well draining soils
• Germination test type: float
• Family: Ericaceae

How to germinate Arctostaphylos uva-ursi seeds:

Soak seed in water for 24 hours. With a small amount of sharp sand (or grit) rub the seed and sand between your hands for half a minute (simulates grit in bird gut) to scarify tough seed coat. Resoak seed for 24 hours. Wake the embryo by warm stratifying the seed for 120 days followed by cold stratification for 90 days. Will then germinate under Spring like conditions of 30 C daytime and 20 C night time temps. Sow thinly at 2-3 mm deep in sand/humus mix. Prick out at 4-5 true leaf stage to individual pots to grow out.