I have mentioned previously an unusual Midland Hawthorn and Medlar hybrid in Centre Vale at Todmorden. It has flowered profusely for a few years after releasing from the heavy shade of Rhododendron but has never produced any fruit.
However this Autumn there is a branch that is full of berries, perhaps for the first time in decades. Each contains 2 seeds.
If you want to grow from seed, they have double dormancy and below are instructions from a website I consulted. I think patience is needed as the process takes 2 years!
To begin with the seeds require a cold period to break the final part of the dormancy, this is achieved by placing the bag [with seeds in a soil medium] in the fridge (4 Celsius or 39F) for around 52 weeks.
Next the seeds require a period of warm pre-treatment and need to be kept in temperatures of around 20 Celsius (68F) for a period of at least 36 weeks. During this time make sure that the pre-treatment medium does not dry out at any stage or it will be ineffective!
Following this, the seeds require a second cold period for around 17 weeks. Towards the end of this period it is quite possible for the seeds to germinate in the bag at these temperatures when they are ready to do so, (it is worth checking the bag every few weeks for germinating seedlings) if they do, just remove them from the bag and carefully plant them up.
Hawthorn/Mulberry
Very interesting. I’ve often germinated tree/shrub seeds after chilling for the winter, but never heard of any that needed a double chilling with a warm period in between. I was taught that this chilling is referred to as stratifying by gardeners.
I sow tree seeds in compost in a pot and put a single layer of stone chippings (about 1 inch sized) on top of the compost. This stops rodents getting at them and prevents heavy rain splashing them out. I’ve noticed that trees in the wild germinate well among gravel.. The only problem then is curious birds like magpies pulling the labels out. So labels need binding to a short length of twig with wire and the twig sticking deep in the compost..
Some pots never produce seedlings and just get covered in moss or weeds. Perhaps these are the ones that need double chilling.
Are you giving it a go Philip?
Thanks for those comments. I think I will just put the seeds into a pot and leave outside and see what happens. 68f for 36 weeks may be a problem in Todmorden!
I have also taken 2 cuttings which may be a simpler way of propagation. Will let you know of any success.