Cornus kousa chinensis

Germination

Sow indoors at any time. Sow under glass or in a cold frame in autumn. Prior to sowing soak seed for 48 hours in warm, not hot, water. Indoors, surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost or place seeds with soil inside a zip-lock style freezer bag. temp. 18-22°C for 2-4 weeks, then cold stratify. Move to -4°C-+4°C for 3-4 months (fridge is ideal). Keep soil moist. The seeds may germinate while in the fridge, if so remove individually and pot up 10mm deep. Then remove to warmth, 15-20°C for germination. Under glass, allow natural winter cold to offer ideal conditions for germination to occur in spring as the weather warms. Germination can be erratic taking 90-730 days. Allow seedlings to grow on for 2-3 years prior to planting in permanent position.

Growing

Prefers a well-drained soil in full or partial sun.

Cultivation

Pruning group 1. No routine pruning required. Remove diseased, damaged or congested crossing shoots. Prune in late winter or spring. After pruning mulch and feed.