Cornus kousa var chinensis “China Girl” seeds

Description

“China Girl” is an improved early flowering variety with a beautiful layered form with a spread near equal to its height rather than the typical narrower pyramidal form.  Having more horizontal branching its profuse flowering can be enjoyed at eye level.  Bloom time starts in June and can last a month.  Creamy white bracts might be marked with a deep pink as they age thus adding more interest.  Large 5cm fruits ripen to dull red-pink and resemble a gumball shaped strawberry but taste like pears.

Beautiful scarlet fall colour.

• Seed Count: 12-15
• Collection Date: Oct 2020
• Hardiness Zone: 5-9
• Height and Width: 4m x 4m
• Germination test type: float
• Family: Cornaceae

How to germinate Cornus kousa var chinensis “China Girl” seeds:

Soak seed 24-48 hours in warm water. Cold moist stratify 60-90 days then move to warm site to promote germination. Optimum germination temp: 18-25 C. Days to germination: 30-400. Yeah, some seed won’t germinate until the following spring. Just one of those things, but this is very easy to start from seed.

We had over 90% germination by keeping freshly collected clean seed moist over winter.  The moment they were given gentle warmth, they sprouted with complete abandon. Now we have lots of seedlings for plant sales.