To grow shrubs or trees from seed collect berries and other fruits as soon as they are ripe.

Where seeds are contained within a hip (roses) cut open with a knife and scrape the seed out.

Fleshy outer coats of berries can be removed by carefully pressing between two pieces of flat wood.

Many will need to be stratified before they will germinate in the spring.

This is done by subjecting them to a cold spell, i.e. replicating what would happen to them when subjected to frost in the open.

To stratify seed, place 'dry' seed directly into paper packets, e.g. old seed packets.

Wet seed, from fleshy seed heads, should be placed onto a piece of paper kitchen towel, and allowed to dry, prior to placing them in the paper packet.

Place the packets in a refrigerator, not the freezer for six to eight weeks then sow as normal.

alternatively; seeds can then be thickly 'sown' in a 25mm (1”) layer of silver sand on top of a large pot or pan of seed compost, and placed outdoors.

Cover the container, as protection from mice and overhead drips but never allow the sand to become dry.

Ensure seeds are clearly labelled.

In late winter or early spring, carefully remove seeds and silver sand from the container and sow in the normal fashion.

Germinate in a cold frame or greenhouse.

Use this template to produce your own seed storage packets. (Click on thumbnail to enlarge it)