Alder Seeds - Italian Alder
(Alnus cordata) Perennial. Zone 6. Native range—Southern Italy. Betulaceae (Birch) Family.
Italian Alder is a lovely, fast growing, highly adaptable nitrogen fixing tree! Great in maritime conditions, excellent as a windbreak. Best in full sun, tolerates partial shade. Catkins appear in March, before leaves.
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
For best results, sow seeds outdoors in early Fall. If starting indoors...
SEED PRETREATMENT: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours. Then, mix seeds with a moistened soil 4x seed volume. Place in a plastic bag or container.
STRATIFICATION: 90 days cold/moist (5°C). Place plastic bag with seeds and soil in your refrigerator, preferably in a veggie crisper. Inspect periodically for even moisture, don’t let seeds dry out during stratification period.
POST-STRATIFICATION: Sow stratified seeds 1/4” deep. Alternating soil temperatures during the day (warmer than 20 °C) and night (cooler than 20°C) can help germination. Water evenly and regularly.
GERMINATION: When all previously mentioned requirements are fulfilled, germination generally occurs in 21-45 days.
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.