Robinia pseudacacia L. common acacia, false acacia

(Leguminosae)
Germinability: 70-90%
Number of seeds per Kg: 35.000-77.000 (49.000-54.000)

In air-tight containers, at low temperatures (between +3 and +4°c), the seeds keep for long periods if their water level has been reduced to 5-6%.

Sow in the spring with no treatment or with seeds which have been pretreated as per Acacia spp.

Vegetative propagation possible.

Sambucus nigra L. common elder

(Caprifoliaceae)
Germinability: 40-50%
Number of seeds per Kg: 250.000-430.000 (350.000)

To store the seeds in a satisfactory manner, they should be kept in an air-tight container at -3°c with a humidity content of 8-9%.

Sow in the autumn straight after harvesting , or in the spring with seeds stratified in the warm for 3-10 weeks, and in the cold for 12-15 weeks. The seeds may be stratified without a substrate, but the treatment is less effective. Germination of pretreated seeds is encouraged by temperatures of around +15°c. In many cases, a part of the sprouting occurs during the second spring.

Sambucus racemosa L. red-berried elder

(Caprifoliaceae)
Germinability: 50-65%
Number of seeds per Kg: 345.000-460.000 (390.000)

The methods for sowing are similar to those for S. nigra , but cold stratification can be limited to 12 weeks. The germination of pretreated seeds seems to be stimulated by daily alternance in temperature (16 hours at +3°c and 8 hours at 20°c).

Schinus molle L. pepper tree

(Anacardiaceae)
Germinability: greater than 50%
Number of seeds per Kg: 35.000-65.000

Sow in the autumn or in seed beds in the spring, depending on the characteristics of the region, then transplant.

Sophora japonica L. Japanese pagoda tree

(Leguminosae)
Germinability:?
Number of seeds per Kg: 6.000-12.000 (7.800)

Sow in the spring with seeds which have been scarified mechanically, and then soaked for a few hours.

The ornamental varieties are obtained using grafting onto plants grown from seed.

See Acacia spp.

Sorbus spp. Sorb

(Rosaceae)

Sowing techniques are the same as those for Malus sylvestris. Alternatively, use seed which has undergone cold stratification in thermoregulated environments for 2-4 months.

The seeds store well in air-tight containers at -3°c with a water content of 10-12% for 2-3 years.

Sorbus aria (L.) Crantz. white beam

(Rosaceae)
Germinability: 65% (va.)
Number of seeds per Kg: 36.000-73.000 (53.000)

See Sorbus spp.

Fruits of Sorbus aria

Sorbus aucuparia L. Rowan

(Rosaceae)
Germinability: 70%
Number of seeds per Kg: 200.000-430.000 (290.000)
Number of fruits per Kg: 5.000

See Sorbus spp.

Sorbus domestica L. service tree

(Rosaceae)
Germinability: ?
Number of seeds per Kg: 32.000

See Sorbus spp.

Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz. wild service tree

(Rosaceae)
Germinability: 78% (va.)
Number of seeds per Kg: 28.000-56.000 (45.000)

See Sorbus spp.

Spartium junceum L. Spanish broom

(Leguminosae)
Germinability: ?
Number of seeds per Kg: 67.000-100.000 (83.000)

Sow in the spring, usually in warm seed beds, followed by transplantation.

Scarification of the seed integuments increases the extent and the speed of germination.

See Acacia spp., Cytisus spp.

Symphoricarpus albus (L.) S.F. Blake var. albus snowberry

(Caprifoliaceae)
Germinability: 35-70%
Number of seeds per Kg: 119.000-250.000 (168.000)

Germination is hampered by the impermeability of the endocarp and the immaturity of the embryo.

Sow in the autumn with seeds which have been aestivated for 3-4 months or in the spring with seeds which have been aestivated and then stratified in the cold for 4-6 months.

Vegetative propagation widespread.

Syringa vulgaris L. common lilac

(Oleaceae)
Germinability: 60%
Number of seeds per Kg: 75.000-287.000 (167.000)

The dormancy of these seeds varies greatly depending on the lot and provenance. Mulched sowing in the autumn or spring sowing with seeds which have been vernalized for a short time.

During the early stages of the seedlings growth, the beds should be shaded.