Prunus padus, commonly known as bird cherry, is a deciduous ornamental tree native to temperate Eurasia, valued for its fragrant white spring flowers and small black fruits eagerly consumed by birds. The species exhibits deep seed dormancy requiring a complex stratification process combining warm and cold periods to achieve viable germination.
Before sowing
Warm stratification at 20°C for 2-3 weeks, followed by cold stratification at 4°C for approximately 18 weeks in moist substrate. Seeds may germinate in the bag during cold treatment.
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Sow seeds 3/8 inch deep and tamp soil firmly; mulch the seed bed. Keep stratification substrate moist but not wet. Germination typically occurs around March/April but may continue for up to 18 months. Protect stratifying seeds from mice. Do not expose newly sown seeds to temperatures above 25°C. Seeds are short-lived; sow fresh seeds as soon as possible for best results.
Sources: Tree Seed Online, PFAF Plant Database, The Conservation Volunteers, Sheffield Seeds, academic sources on Prunus germination
