Cornus mas seeds (Cornelian Cherry)

Description

Truly a multipurpose tree. In late winter, branches are clothed in clusters of bright yellow flowers providing nectar and pollen to bees and hummingbirds. By September, clusters of deep red tasty fruit resemble cherries tasting like plums.  Trouble free plants are great on hillsides to stabilize soils. Strong limbs survive snow loads. Single seeded for easy pitting so there’s no surprises if you’re making preserves, wine, or simply for juice (makes an awesome cordial). Cling stone. These are more wild type trees with smaller delicious fruits that range in colour from red to purple.

• Seed Count: 15-20
• Collection Date: Oct 2021
• Hardiness Zone: 4-9
• Height and Width: 6m x 6m
• Germination test type: float; cut
• Family: Cornaceae

How to germinate Cornus mas seeds:

Soak seed 24-48 hours. Cold stratify 3 months then provide gentle heat 12-15 C to germinate. Seed often bears twins where the second one emerges the following spring. Here we cold stratify upon collection and either sow in germination pots or a baggie (peat & sand medium) in March. Baggie is kept at room temperature whereas the pot is left outside. We transplant out/pot up in the second or third year.