Ilex aquifolium (English Holly) seeds
Ilex aquifolium (English Holly) seeds
47 in stock
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Much loved native tree producing our festive holly in great quantities every Christmas. Holly is great for wildlife and birds providing them with a place to hibernate and nest in its dense branches. The pretty white flowers appear in spring providing early nectar for bees and pollinating nsects. The red berries which follow in winter are a vital food source for birds and small mammals.
It is also said to be a lucky charm against witches, goblins and even the devil!
Holly can be a long lived tree and if left to grow can reach 15m. Excellent as a hedge as it responds well to trimming and a very efficient windbreak. Grows anywhere even on coastal and exposed sites. Also makes a great Bonsai tree.
Patience needed - seeds are dormant and can take many months to germinate. Easiest sown outside in a covered container and let nature do the work.
Hardy Tree
Height: 15m if left to grow
Position: Sun or semi shade
Caution: Berries toxic to humans & pets if eaten.
Packet of 15 seeds
GROWING GUIDE
These seeds have a deep dormancy and need a period of cold treatment before they will germinate. This can be done outdoors over winter or indoors at any time of year.
- Soak seeds for 24 hours.
- Mix compost 50:50 with vermiculite or perlite, then water until just moist.
- Sow seeds very thinly on the surface and cover with a sprinkling of compost, vermiculite or perlite, then seal inside a polythene bag.
Outdoors - September to January
- Place pots in a sheltered spot, coldframe or unheated greenhouse and cover with a clear bag or glass to keep the critters out.
- Check regularly to make sure the compost does not dry out.
- The seedlings will emerge in spring when the weather warms up.
Indoors - Anytime
- Place pots in the fridge for 12 weeks.
- Check regularly to make sure the compost does not dry out.
- After 12 weeks, move to 18-21C on a windowsill or in a propagator.
- Germination can be slow and erratic and may take a few months.
- When the seedlings emerge, increase ventilation by opening the bag or propagator vents.
- When they are large enough to handle, transplant into 7-9cm pots and grow on, repotting as needed.
- Indoor grown seedlings can be moved outside in spring once all risk of frost has passed. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions by placing them outdoors during the day for a week or so.
- When mature enough, plant out in the garden in their final position.
Delivery
Delivery
We offer prompt order dispatch within 1-2 working days by Royal Mail. Delivery time will normally be within 2-3 days but may take a little longer due to the ongoing problems at Royal Mail.
Due to phytosanitary regulations we are unable to send seeds outside the UK. If a mail forwarding service in the UK is used to send your order abroad, please be aware that we will not take responsibility for orders confiscated by customs or lost at the mail forwarders warehouse.
If an order is returned to us as undelivered by the postal service, we will refund the cost of the products purchased, not the delivery charge. When a service other than standard delivery is used, we will also deduct this from the refund (eg. signed for, special delivery or courier charges). It is the customer's responsibility to ensure the delivery address on the order is correct.
Please report any orders delivered damaged or incorrect, and any missing orders not delivered within 14 days of the order date by emailing us: sales@rpseeds.co.uk.
Packaging
Packaging
All our seed packaging and most of our postal packaging is paper based and can be recycled.
Seed Storage
Seed Storage
Store seeds in a cool, dry place.
