Chimonanthus praecox seeds (Wintersweet)

Description

When winter is at its bleakest, this unassuming little gem lifts your spirits with its sweet lingering scent. Flowers consist of waxy yellow petals which cup an inner ring of rusty purple. With bloom time lasting from December to March, it will keep reminding us of the promise of spring. Attractive dark green leaves emerge when spring arrives. Also called Japanese Allspice for its aromatics which are used in medicine and cooking.

• Seed Count: 12-15
• Collection Date: Oct 2017
• Hardiness Zone: 6-10
• Preferred conditions: Full to semi sun; humus rich acidic soil
• Height and Width: 3m x 3m
• Germination test type: hand sort
• Family: Calycanthaceae

How to germinate Chimonahtus praecox seeds:

Pour one cup of very warm tap water over seed and soak 2-3 hours. Sow, barely covering seed, and tamp soil. Give 30 days cold moist stratification. Plastic cover greatly improves success. Move to warm site 15-22C. Days to germinate: 14-35. Easy way: soak in ‘Skookum Grow’ for 48 hours, then sow in a resealable baggie and provide warmth (20C) and some light. It starts germinating in 3-7 days. Transplant when a brownish hue on the seed root develops. Huge root system so use the appropriate sized container. Keep warm, moist (not wet) and give light. Seedling leaves look like green butterflies.