Holly Seeds - Meadow Holly / Possum Haw
(Ilex deciduas) Perennial. Zone 5. Native range—SE USA. Aquifoliaceae (Holly) Family.
Shrubs can grow 15-25 feet tall. Greenish-white blooms in Spring, turning to showy orange-red berries on female plants mid-Summer to Fall. Although technically drupes, the fruit of Meadow Holly are often referred to as berries. They are an excellent food source for local birds and wildlife well into the Winter. Plants grow well near ponds, great tolerance for wet, poor draining soil.
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS**Difficult
For best results, sow seeds outdoors in late Summer, mulch beds. If starting indoors...
SEED PRETREATMENT: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours. Then, mix seeds with moistened soil 4x seed volume. Place in a plastic bag or container.
STRATIFICATION: After soaking seeds, start 120 days warm/moist (20°C), the top of your fridge is a good spot for this, monitor for mold. Next, 60 days cold/moist (5°C), in your fridge is a good spot. Inspect periodically for even moisture.
POST-STRATIFICATION: Sow stratified seeds 1/4” deep. Water evenly and regularly. Seedlings need shade their first year.
GERMINATION: Sporadic germination will occur over 1-2 years.
Dioecious plants: need male + female plants to produce fruit
Stratifying Seeds Naturally Outdoors in the Fall
How to Stratify Tree Seeds Indoors
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Available direct from Incredible Seeds, a Canadian Heirloom and Heritage Seed Company, offering only the best natural, non-GMO, open pollinated and untreated seeds, located in Mi'kma'ki / Nova Scotia.