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Growing holly from seed

sarahredshawsarahredshaw Posts: 12
in The potting shed
Hi
My mum has have inherited a beautiful holly tree from a property she’s just moved to, maybe silver milkmaid. I would like to try to grow a holly from seed I have done a little research and understand that it’s quite a lengthy process. Not sure what’s best have read I could keep in the fridge to emulate winter and what compost should be used. if anyone could offer any advice I would be grateful 

Posts

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    edited May 2020
    Not sure how easy it is in nature!
    I have several holly trees and in nearly 40 years seen only a handful of seedlings and no saplings or young plants, quite unlike the rowan, elder, cotoneaster and currant bushes that also produce berries that are eaten and distributed by birds.
    It may also not be possible to grow replica plants if the original is a cultivated hybrid of mixed ancestry.
    Still, no harm in trying, good luck :)
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Most of the hollies that grow themselves around me are from under trees that blackbirds perch on. I think the red fleshy bit of the seed needs to be removed by digestive action.  You could try soaking the seeds in water,or even water with a bit of vinegar in,  then rub off the red fleshy coating  as much as possible. Then sow in a pot and leave outside for a while. You may get them germinating quickly, but I think they will be a slow germinator.  I would just use garden soil. If it is very clayey, try added some compost in a 50/50 mix.    Put a layer of sharp grit on top as a top dressing to hold the seed down.  I think it unlikely they will be variegated.  If you want identical to the parent, you would need to take hard wood cuttings into gritty compost, dipping them in rooting powder suitable for hardwood cuttings.
  • sarahredshawsarahredshaw Posts: 12
    Thanks for the reply.
    I will try the seeds but was really after a variegated holly.
    Any advice as to when to take a hardwood cutting.
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