Holly Seeds, American
(Ilex opaca) Evergreen. Zones 5-9.
American Holly is a classic seasonal decoration used for cuttings and wreath making. Its berry laden boughs have been used for centuries around the world as fresh and cheerful ornament during the darkest season.
The Celts would wear sprigs of holly in their hair for summer and winter solstice rituals, as the pointy leaves of holly were thought to protect against evil spirits. They would also bring Holly into their homes in winter to provide shelter for the faeries. The Romans used it to honour Saturn, the god of agriculture, during festivals leading up to the winter solstice.
It is such a beautiful sight in winter to see the bright red berries against the snow! Birds LOVE the fruit - you’ll see goldfinch, cedar waxwings, mourning doves and the elusive cardinal flitting and feasting between the glossy, deep green leaves.
Also known as White Holly, American Holly is an upright, evergreen tree native to North America. It is easily grown in acidic, well-drained soil, and reaches 15-30 feet. It makes an excellent hedge, foundation planting, or privacy screen.
Creamy white flowers bloom on female trees in late Spring. Bright red-orange fruits ripen in fall and persist through winter. Its glossy, leathery leaves are attractive year round.
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Cold Hardiness: Zones 5 - 9
Edible: No. Berries are toxic to humans.
Size: Small Tree
Growth Rate: Slow
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Native Plant: Yes
Germination: 60 - 80%
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to partial shade.
Soil Preference: Tolerates a variety of soils including, sandy, clay, acid. Not wet.
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GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
- Soak seeds 24 hrs. Follow with 6 months warm, stratification days cold, moist stratification, followed by 120 days cold, moist stratification. This may sound long and complicated, but you can simply plant them in outdoors in the Spring for germination the following Spring. For more information on stratification, check out our article "How To Stratify Your Tree Seeds".
*If you decide to do the cold period in your fridge, please check on your seeds. 120 days is an estimate & they may sprout sooner.*
- Heat mats are NOT required & can hinder germination!
- Protect young tree seedlings from slugs, cutworms & rodents. Slugs especially can eat primary leaves as soon as they come up, so be vigilant!
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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.
