Zelkova sinica (Chinese Zelkova) seeds

Something different for your ornamental tree collection is this excellent small to medium sized ornamental tree from China. Has dark green glossy leaves which turn orange and yellow in autumn and decorative scaly bark in shades of orange, grey and brown. Easy to grow from seed and fully hardy when mature. Will need frost protection for the first couple of winters.

Hardy Tree
Height: 10m if not pruned
Position: Sun

Packet of 15 seeds

GROWING GUIDE

Pre-sowing Treatment: Soak the seeds in water which starts off hand hot for 24 hours.

Sowing Instructions: Sow at any time of the year. Sow thinly in pots or trays of moist seed compost, eg John Innes, and cover lightly. Seal pots in a polythene bag and place in the fridge for 4 weeks. After this, move to a propagator or other warm place and maintain an optimum temperature of 15-21C. Germination can be erratic but should take place in 1-3 months.

Growing Instructions: Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm pots. The little trees are best grown on for a year or two in pots and protected from frost for at least the first winter. Care should also be taken to protect them from late spring frosts which can be very damaging. Plant out once established in a sunny position.