Blackthorn Prunus Spinosa 50+ seeds | Sloe Berry Gin | Hardy

Please find for sale 50+ fresh Prunus Spinosa seeds - known in the UK as Blackthorn. It is a berry producing tree native to woodlands of the UK of Europe. It is a very useful and fast growing tree/shrub - it is a very popular option for wildlife friendly hedging and its berries "sloes" have been used for centuries to flavour Gin - "Sloe Gin". 

PLEASE NOTE: All orders received before 8pm (Mon-Fri) will be dispatched same day

SAVE PACKAGING MATERIALS  - SEE OTHER INTERESTING & UNUSUAL SEEDS & PLANTS IN MY SHOP

INSTRUCTIONS - TO SAVE PAPER I NO LONGER SEND OUT WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS TO CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTIONS ARE BELOW SO PLEASE BOOKMARK THIS PAGE. FEEL FREE TO MESSAGE ME WITH ANY GROWING QUESTIONS.

Germination Guide

Blackthorn seeds have deep dormancy as as such benefit from "cold stratification". Stratification is a process of simulating natural conditions that the seeds must experience before germination can occur (if a seed germinates in the middle of winter it will die). In the wild, seed dormancy is usually overcome by the seed spending time in the ground through a winter period and having its hard seed coat softened up by frost and weathering action. This cold, moist period triggers the seed's embryo; its growth and subsequent expansion eventually break through the softened seed coat in its search for sun and nutrients.

Seeds can either be sown direct outside in Autumn and nature allow to take its course, or the process can be more controlled by keeping the seeds in the fridge then sowing indoors in Autumn as follows:

• Get a handful or two of vermiculite, perlite or sterile compost (microwave compost in a plastic bowl for 3 minutes) then allow to cool.
• Add a little water to the mix. Should be moist but not wet
• Place in small ziplock bag
• Keep at around 20c for 4-5 weeks - do not allow to dry out
• Place bag with remaining seed mix in bottom fridge or in cold shed/outbuilding for 18 weeks 
• Remove and put up any seeds that germinate during this period.
• After the cold period, spread bag contents on a tray of moist compost.
• Cover with circa 2cm of compost.
• Place outside in late winter/early spring - net to keep animals animals & birds off
• Do not allow tray to dry out
• Seedlings should emerge in spring and the weather warms