Chionanthus virginicus seeds (Fringe Tree)

Description

Rare deciduous North American flowering multi-stemmed shrub. Sweet honey-lilac scented flowers hang in abundance, sometimes covering the entire tree. Loved by nectar seekers. Glossy leaves turn a vivid yellow in autumn. Dark blue berries olive sized fruit loved by birds.

• Seed Count: 20-25
• Collection Date: Dec 2023
• Hardiness Zone: 4-9
• Height and Width: 5m x 5m
• Germination test type: hand sort
• Family: Oleaceae

How to germinate Chionanthus virginicus seeds:

Break dormancy: soak in water 24 hours; sow 6 mm deep; keep moist; warm stratify (16 C); some seedlings start emerging after 45 days: 120 days is average; prick out & transplant as seedlings need cold (4 C) for 60 days for proper development. Alternatively, for those who like to germinate in a baggie, moist peat is the best medium to use. The clear plastic allows one to see any germinating roots. For this species, I found that its best to prick out when the seed root appears then CAREFULLY transplant it in on gallon pot full of good sterile medium. Do not let freeze.