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mahonia X media charity
Robyn hewson
Posts: 93
in Plants
I have some mahonia X media charity seed pods, how do i get the seeds out and when? The pods are still green at the moment
0
Posts
When fully ripe, the berries look like purple grapes. Hence its name Oregon grape. They are actually edible if a bit insipid. Removal of seed would be like taking the pips out of grapes.
When the bush is dropping some pick the rest off and sow them, you can squeeze them out if you like. Don't heat them, just leave them outside, in the shade, in a pot of gritty compost. I don't know how long they take, might be next spring
The x in the name denotes a hybrid, your babies won't be the same as the parent
In the sticks near Peterborough
Good idea, I love growing shrubs and trees from seed
In the sticks near Peterborough
Oregon grape is not Mahonia X Media 'Charity' it is Mahonia aquifolium, a different species and not edible! Seed pod does go purple when ripe and it does produce viable seed but they have poor germination rates. Propagation via cuttings are a better source of new material.
leave the berries on - the blackbirds absolutely love them and bring their babies to enjoy the treat!