Mahaleb Cherry (Prunus Mahaleb) 20 seeds (#154)

A decidious Tree growing to 7m by 7m. It is hardy to zone 5. It is in flower from April to May. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.
The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.
The fruit might be edible. The fruits of all members of this genus are more or less edible, though not always of very good quality. However, if the fruit is bitter it should not be eaten in any quantity due to the presence of toxic compounds, see the notes above on toxicity. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter and contains one large seed. Seed - raw or cooked. The dried seed kernels are used as a flavouring in breads, sweet pastries, confectionery etc. They impart an intriguing flavour. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter.
Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil, growing best in a poor soil. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.

Genus - Prunus
Species - Mahaleb
Common name - Mahaleb Cherry
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 5 - 7
Height - 8'-25' / 2.40 - 10 m
Spread - 8'-25' / 2.40 - 8 m
Plant type - Medium Tree
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Clay, Loam, Sand, Well Drained
Water requirements - Average Water
Bloom season - Spring
Leaf / Flower color - Green / White

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Soak the seeds in a bowl of cool water for 24 hours. Lay the seeds on a flat surface to dry for several hours.
2. Stratify seeds in a plastic bag full of moist sand inside the refrigerator for 60-90 days. Keep the sand barely moist during the cold stratification period.
3. Sow the seeds the following spring once outdoor temperatures rise above +18C (65F) during the day and +8C (48F) at night. Or sow indoors in the propagator or pots
4. Prepare a pot for each seed. Fill with clean soil. Sow one seed in each pot at a depth of 2-3 cm (1").
5. Water the seeds to a depth of ~8-10 cm (~3") after planting them. Maintain moisture at this depth during the germination process.
6. Place the pots outdoors in a sheltered spot where they will be exposed to direct sun in the morning and afternoon. Protect the seeds from direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day since the soil will warm too quickly and dry out.
7. Watch for sprouting one month after sowing. Maintain the same light and moisture conditions provided to the seeds during germination until they grow to 10 cm (4") in height. (info source: eHow.com)