English Oneseed Hawthorn (Crataegus Monogyna) 20 seeds (#465)

Long grown in its native Europe as a hedge plant, this small, rounded, low-branched tree is still among the most popular garden hawthorns. It bears clusters of sweet-scented white flowers in showy abundance in late spring, followed by small spherical fruits that ripen red in fall. Some forms have pink blooms. The small, lobed, glossy dark green leaves do not brighten before dropping in fall. The stiff horizontal limbs have attractive yellowish-green bark and brandish numerous spines.
Although tolerating a wide range of conditions, this tree does best in well drained soil and full sun. It fares poorly in regions with hot humid summers. Cedar hawthorn rust can disfigure both foliage and fruits. Where it does well it makes a lovely specimen or hedging tree with year-round interest. The edible fruits can be made into jelly. Site this tree where its spines will not harm pedestrians and vehicles. It sometimes escapes gardens, and is considered a weed in some areas.

Genus - Crataegus
Species - Monogyna
Common name - English Oneseed Hawthorn
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 4 - 7
Height - 20-30' / 6 - 9 m
Spread - 20-30' / 6 - 9 m
Plant type - Tree
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Full Sun
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Clay, laom, Sand, well drained
Water requirements - Average Water
Landscape uses - Feature Plant, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
Bloom season - Late Spring
Leaf / Flower color - Green, Dark Green / White

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Wrap the hawthorn seeds in a moistened paper towel. Place the paper towel inside a sealable plastic bag. Store the seeds this way for 90 days inside a refrigerator to cold-stratify them.
2. Fill a 1-gallon plastic pot with a mixture of equal measures potting soil and compost. Sow two hawthorn seeds in the pot to a depth of 1/4 inch. Water the pot to a depth of 1 inch.
3. Place the pot outdoors, either against a south-facing wall or in a cold frame, where they will be exposed to normal outdoor temperature fluctuations and precipitation.
4. Water the hawthorn seeds only during extended periods of dry weather to keep the soil moist, at a depth of 1 inch. Avoid overwatering the hawthorn seeds since they might rot.
5. Check the pot periodically to ensure no birds or rodents have taken the hawthorn seeds. Place mesh over the top of the pot if it appears that creatures are foraging for the seeds.
6. Watch for signs of germination starting 18 months after sowing. Thin the hawthorn seedlings once they reach 2 inches in height. Remove the less vigorous of the two seedlings.
7. Keep the hawthorn seedling in the pot with evenly moist soil until it reaches 12 inches in height, then plant it in a permanent bed with partial sun. (source: eHow.com)