Paper Birch (Betula Papyrifera) 100 seeds (#525)

Paper birch is a medium to large, deciduous tree that is native of the extreme northern United States, Alaska and much of Canada.
It is most valued for its beautiful white papery bark that is accented with bands of black. In fall its medium green leaves turn a pretty yellow, and in winter its stark white bark contrasts nicely with evergreens.
This very hardy tree does best in cold climates and excels in moist, but well drained sandy loam soils. Paper birch does not tolerate difficult sites, excessive summer heat or pollution and is susceptible to birch borer.
Information source: http://learn2grow.com/plants/betula-papyrifera/

Genus - Betula
Species - Papyrifera
Common name - Paper Birch
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 2 - 7
Height - 15 - 20 m
Spread - 7 - 10 m
Plant type - Tree
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Acid, neutral
Soil type - Loam, Sand, Well Drained
Water requirements - Average
Landscape uses - Feature Plant, Shade Trees
Bloom season - Spring
Leaf / Flower color - Green / Yellow

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
Seeds have an internal dormancy that can be overcome by a moist, chilling period. This treatment is called stratification. Here are the steps to stratify the seeds (start it frim January till April):
1. Soak the seeds in water overnight
2. Place the seeds in a moist material such as milled sphagnum peat, sterile soil or vermiculite or coffe filter. Fully drain away all of the water and place the seeds in a zip-lock bag.
3. Refrigerate the seeds for 6-8 weeks at +2-+4C.
4. After the seeds are stratified, surface sow in a container filled with a moist, well-drained germination medium. Cover with glass or plastic and keep the container moist, but not soggy. Keep in room temperature, dark place.
As soon as the seeds germinate, place them under bright lights or move them to a greenhouse or cold frame.
You can sow seeds outdoors in well prepared beds in October or before the winter. Nature will do the job and will germinate in spring.
When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter.