(Mahonia aquifolium) Perennial. Zones 4-8. Also known as blue barberry, Oregon Grape grows to 8 feet, has beautiful holly-like leaves, prickly stems and deliciously tart berries! The berries can be substituted in for red barberries, which are common in middle eastern cookery. Medicinally, the bark of this plant can be used internally against systemic yeast overgrowth. Please consult your local herbalist for details! -------------------------------- Cold Hardiness: Zones 4 - 8 Edible: Yes Size: Small shrub Growth Rate: Medium Shrub Nitrogen Fixer: No Native Plant: Yes Germination: 60-80% Sun Requirements: Partial - full shade Soil Preference: Rich, slightly acidic, consistently moist. ---------------------------------- GROWING INSTRUCTIONS For best results, sow seeds outdoors in Fall, for germination the following Spring. If sowing indoors… SEED PRETREATMENT: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours. Mix seeds with a moistened grow medium equal to 3-4 times seed volume. Place in a plastic bag, covered tray/cells or container. STRATIFICATION: 90 days cold/moist (5°C). Place plastic bag with seeds and soil in your refrigerator, preferably in a veggie crisper. Inspect periodically for even moisture. POST-STRATIFICATION: Sow stratified seeds 1/4”-1/2” deep, ideally in a peat/perlite mix. Alternate soil temperatures during the day (30°C) and night (20°C). Water evenly and regularly. GERMINATION: When all previously mentioned requirements are fulfilled, germination generally occurs in 28 days. How To Stratify Your Tree Seeds". *Excited about growing Fruit Trees from seed? Learn more HERE.* --------------------------------- Available direct from Incredible Seeds, a Canadian Heirloom and Heritage Seed Company, offering only the best natural, non-GMO, open pollinated and untreated seeds, located in Mi'kma'ki / Nova Scotia.
