Cornus mas |
Native Region: Europe, western Asia
Zone Range: 4-9
Preferred Climate: Full to semi sun; well draining average soil
Harvest Date: Tuesday 21 September, 2010
Seed count: 20-25
Description:
In March, great clusters of yellow flowers adorn this multistemmed shrub/small tree giving much needed colour and provide nectar and pollen to bees and hummingbirds. Leaves emerge later in spring. By September, clusters of deep red tasty fruit resemble oblong black cherries but they have the same texture and flavour as nicely ripe Italian prune plums with some of the freestone quality. Trouble free plants. Strong limbs survive snow loads. Single seeded for easy pitting so there's no surprises if you're making preserves, etc. Cling stone.
Notes:
Our Neolithic ancestors enjoyed these fruits as seeds have been found scattered around ancient hearths.
Cultivation:
Soak seed 24-48 hours. Cold stratify 3 months then provide gentle heat 12-15 C to germinate. Seed often bears twins where the second one emerges the following spring. Here we cold stratify upon collection and either sow in germination pots or a baggie (peat & sand medium) in March. Baggie is kept at room temperature whereas the pot is left outside. We transplant out/pot up in the second or third year.
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