Description
Latin Name: Prunus tomentosa
DESCRIPTION
Family: Rosaceae
Native Range: Northern and western China and Mongolia
Seed Source: Seed production orchard near Indian Head, Saskatchewan.
Height and Spread: 1.5m x 1.5m
Overview: Nanking Cherry cherry is an excellent choice for fruit gardens or agroforestry planting in cold temperate regions. It also makes an attractive hedge. This seed strain was selected because of its consistent production of tangy red cherries. Cross pollination is required for fruit production so more than one plant is required.
Fruits: Cherry red drupe.
Average number of seeds/packet: 150
SEED TREATMENT / SOWING
Stratification: Soak seeds for 24 hours then stratify in moist sand (10 percent moisture) for 100 days at 5°C.
Ideal sowing time: Non-pretreated seed outdoors in late July or early August (will germinate the following spring) or stratified seed in spring.
Sowing instructions: Outdoor seedbed - Sow 2 cm deep and 50 seeds/meter; Greenhouse - sow 3 seeds per cell 1 cm deep.
Growing conditions: Nanking cherry is hardy and will grow in a variety of soils but will not tolerate heavy shade.
AGROFORESTRY VALUE
Nanking cherry is known for its fragrant pink flowers along its branches in the spring, with forest green foliage. It is a good choice for attracting birds. Both you and the wildlife will love its edible red cherries. Fruit can be tangy but is great for jams, jellies, and pies. Extremely winter hardy.
