Prunus cerasoides, the Himalayan wild cherry, is a deciduous tree species with spectacular pink blossoms. It has naturally poor germination due to hard seed coat and dormancy requirements.
Before sowing
Scarification
mecanica Hard seed coat requires scarification to improve germination
Stratification
fria · 90 d · 3°C
Soak
24 h Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before cold stratification
2-3 months cold stratification at 1-4°C; scarification and soaking improve germination rates
Sowing
Substrate
Well-drained loamy soil, sand, peat moss, perlite mix
Depth
1cm
Temperature
3°C
Moisture
media
Container
Cold frame or seedbed with drainage holes
What to expect
Step 1
Pre-treat the seed
Step 2
Sow at 1cm · 3°C
Day 28–540
Seedlings emerge (~40%)
Tips
Protect seeds from rodents during stratification; germination can take 18 months; sow in autumn in cold frame or stratify stored seed for spring sowing; grow seedlings in pots for first winter
Sources: BloomPots, Wikipedia, Springer Nature, Tropical Plants Database, Plant World Seeds, Seedfella, Research publications on Prunus cerasoides germination
