Prunus emarginata seeds (Bitter Cherry)

Description

We cannot ship outside Canada due to CFIA export restrictions.

PNW native tree.  In early-mid spring the branches are festooned with sweet almond scented flowers. You can hear the bees among the nectar laden blooms before you see them. By August, the 1cm round fruit has ripened to a brilliant red and will be soon be taken by migrating birds.

First Nations used the bark for watertight basketry, dyes, and making durable string and cordage.  Fruits are too bitter for human consumption.

In the landscape, it is slender fast growing and trouble free. Red bark is very attractive in winter snow.

• Seed Count: 10-12
• Collection Date: August 2024
• Hardiness Zone: 2-9
• Height and Width: 2-15m x 2-5m
• Germination test type: hand sort
• Family: Rosaceae

How to germinate Prunus emarginita seeds:

Soak seed in hot tap water so that tiny bubbles arise from the hydrating shells. Do this several times over the course of two days. Let the water cool between treatments. Seed should sink or sit heavy on water surface. Cold stratify 120 days. Then germinate at 25C. Seed might need light. I always germinate this genus via baggie sowing with great success (see our upcoming’baggie sowing’ article under Seed Starting). Use deep pots or a well dug nursery bed. I always use deep pots (5 gallon tall size) for good root development so there is no trauma in transplanting to its final position. Don’t let seedlings dry out or freeze during the germination process or in its first few months of life. Like peaches and almonds, sometimes they can be stubborn to sprout so another round of cold stratification might be needed. That’s just the nature of the beast. These seedlings are just as strong as their early sprouting kin.