firethorn - from seed

[bonzaidog]

Hi guys...I've just been given some red pyracantha berries,and would like to have a crack at growing some....can anyone tell me ,if they need stratification before sowing,seed scarification,or just direct sow them ?...a fair bit of info can be found on the 'net' ,but I'm interested to find out if this applies to "local" conditions. (I also realise that they have become an invasive weed in Aus. and need to be aware of unwanted seed dispersal as well).... Dog

[Jamie]

good question B-dog!

i wonder if they are similar to ficus fruit where you can "ferment" them to simulate going through a birds intestine..

look forward to seeing what the deal is! i would presume that a cold stratification would be necessary, but i dont know much on the species having not worked with them, just admired.

jamie

[shibui]

Yes to Jamie's guess.
Seeds in soft fruit are best fermented to: a. extract the seeds and b. sometimes fermenting helps with germination. Squash the fruit into a container with a little (probably just to cover) water. Leave the mix somewhere until it bubbles or grows mould on the surface. This can take from 2 days to a week or so depending on conditions, temp, etc. When it has fermented pour the mixture into a sieve and wash under the tap. Most of the flesh will wash through leaving clean seed which can be sown or dried for storage (nb I understand fig seed does not store and should be sown right away. Anyone confirm or bust this?).

Experience shows that seed in soft fruit usually won't germinate while surrounded with fruit pulp. It can germinate if you put too much water in when fermenting. It can take some time for the fruit pulp to decompose in the seed mix if the berries are planted direct in seed trays/pots,etc.

I'd be pretty confident that Firethorn seed would germinate even if you just sqashed the fruit onto a seed tray. Ferminting just makes it easier to handle and should speed germination.

[bonzaidog]

Thanks Jamie, thanks Shibui. I'll get a brew going asap,AND strip/sow unfermented seeds at the same time ,to see what happens, I'll cover the pots over to keep the project warmer,and report back on progress later.... ....Dog.