Cornus mas “Redstone” seed (Cornelian Cherry)

Description

Self fertile improved strain apart is the increased fruit and harvest size with +30 kg of fruit per established tree not uncommon. Created by the USDA.  Much of the tree is clothed in clusters of small yellow flowers in Feb-March making it one of the first trees to bring colour back into the garden.  Large sweet, tart, juicy and thin skinned red fruits are rich in Vitamin C.  The tree itself can trace its  can be used in a wide variety of dishes such as  for pies, preserves, a cranberry sauce alternative, syrup and much more.

• Seed Count: 12-15
• Collection Date: Oct 2021
• Hardiness Zone: 4-9
• Height and Width:
• Germination test type: float; cut
• Family: Cornaceae

How to germinate Cornus mas “Redstone” seeds:

Soak seed 24-48 hours. Cold stratify 3 months then provide gentle heat 12-15 C to germinate. Seed often bears twins embryos.  Nothing to sneeze at getting two plants for every seed. 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.