Carpinus betulus

Germination

Sow indoors at any time, sow under glass or outside in august. Create a sowing mixture of 1:1 compost and sharp sand or perlite, this should be moist but not wet. Add seeds and place in a freezer bag, allow a little air to be admitted. Seed requires 4 weeks at 20°C then cold stratify. Either leave out for natural winter cold to offer ideal conditions for germination to occur as weather warms in spring or place in the fridge 4°C. for 24 weeks. If seeds germinate during this time plant up. After 24 weeks surface sow and just cover seed with a sprinkling of soil. Germination should occur. Transplant seedlings to individual pots and grow on for 1-2 years before planting in final position.

Growing

A very hardy tree than can tolerate poor soils. Responds well to coppicing and pollarding. Ideal for hedge-making.

Cultivation

Pruning group 1. No routine pruning necessary. Prune if needed in late winter or early spring. After pruning mulch and feed.