Weeping Japanese “Higan” Sakura Cherry Tree Seeds
(Prunus subhirtella var. pendula)
Fast Growing & Cold Hardy
The Japanese Weeping Cherry Tree is a Spectacular Ornamental Tree that is Grown for it’s Long Weeping & Graceful Blossoms during Spring. Regarded as One of the Finest Weeping Cherries, (Prunus pendula) “Higan” is a Small Deciduous Tree that Forms a Broad Crown of Long, Gracefully Weeping Branches. Native to Japan, the Weeping Cherry “Higan” can Grow 20 to 30 Feet Tall and Nearly as Wide, and is Prized for the Pink Flowers Weeping on Long, Trailing Branches in the Spring. Similar in Form to Weeping Willow Trees, Weeping Cherries are also Frequently Planted near Water, which Heightens their Visual Effect. In Japanese, this Tree is Called “Shidare Zakura,” Meaning “Weeping Cherry”–a Name that Physically Describes the Tree’s Drooping & Weeping Branches and Evokes Both the Joy and Sadness Associated with Cherry Blossoms in Japanese Culture. Weeping Cherry Trees also Make Gorgeous Bonsai as well. Leaves stay glossy green throughout the summer and into the fall when they turn a vivid yellow before leaving the tree bare in winter. The drooping bare branches even lend a soothing grace to the landscape in winter. There is nothing quite like the Weeping Higan Cherry in full bloom in the spring. The light pink (almost white), one-inch-diameter flowers cover the branches before the leaves emerge, giving the appearance that fresh snow has fallen on the tree. It prefers moist, well-drained soils of average fertility in full sun, but is adaptable to poorer soils, compaction and dry soils once established.
Zones 5-8
Weeping Cherry Germination:
1) Scarify seeds by rubbing with a piece of rough grit sandpaper, or just cut a few “very shallow nicks” into the shell. Never cut too deep.
2) Pour warm water over the seeds and let them soak for 24 hours.
3) Place seeds in “moist” (not wet) peat moss and place in a zip lock bag with a few small holes cut into it.
4) Place them in the fridge for 90 days for cold stratification. Periodically check to be sure they don’t dry out. Keep them moist, but not wet.
5) Also periodically check the seeds for any signs of mold or fungus. If spotted, clean effected seeds with a copper based fungicide, then rinse them well. Place back into a fresh batch of peat moss and continue to keep them in the fridge until 90 days.
6) Using a sterile seed starting potting mix that is moist and allow excess water to drain completely.
7) Place the seeds on the surface covering them with 1/8″ of sand. Moisten by misting with a spray bottle to keep from overly wetting.
8) Place a heated propagator mat under the seeds to keep them at 72 degrees F. Place them in an area that receives bright, indirect sunlight, or place them under grow lights for 14 hours a day until germination.
9) Patience is needed as the germination rate with Weeping Cherry seeds is very erratic and can take anywhere from 4-12 Months to germinate. Some will sprout earlier than others, so don’t toss the rest out as they are still good, and just need more time.
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