Berberis spp. barberries

(Berberidaceae)

Mulched autumn sowing or in the spring with seeds or berries which have been layered at low temperatures for 6-13 weeks. Seeds are to be preferred over the fruits, since the latter are prone to fungal infections.

Berberis thunbergii DC. Japanese barberry

(Berberidaceae)
Germinability: 70-90%
Number of seeds per Kg: 55.000-80.000

Vegetative propagation is very widespread.

Berberis vulgaris L. common barberry

(Berberidaceae)
Germinability: 70-90%
Number of seeds per Kg: 75.000-90.000

See Berberis spp.

Betula spp.

(Betulaceae)

The seeds are generally kept at temperatures ranging from -25 to +3°c in air-tight containers, with a moisture content of 1-8%, but more often, of 1-3%. Under these conditions, the positive characteristics of the seeds are preserved for a considerable period of time.

Taking into account the low level of germinability and the very small dimensions of the seeds, they are often sown in seed beds, in the spring, and then transplanted. We advise the vernalization of the seeds without substrates for periods of time which vary depending on the species and the provenance.

Shade the beds during the first summer of nursery growing.

Betula alba L. White birch, silver birch

(Betulaceae)
Germinability: 20-30%
Number of seeds per Kg: 1.200.000-2.900.000 (1.900.000-2.400.000)

The duration of vernalization may vary from 4 to 8 weeks.

See Betula spp.

Seeds of Betula alba

Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent. Paper mulberry

(Moraceae)
Germinability:?
Number of seeds per Kg: 330.000

Spring sowing with no pretreatment

Buxus spp. box

(Buxaceae)

For B. microphylla and B. sempervirens , spring sowing is the most suitable, if possible with seeds which have been cold-layered for one or two months.

Vegetative propagation is very widespread.