Autumn Olive Seeds - Elaeagnus Umbellata - Delicious, Abundant, and Versatile
Quantity: 10 Seeds
Autumn Olive is an amazing yet relatively unknown fruit tree in the Oleaster family, Elaeagnaceae. They originate in Japan and China, and live as hardy perennials down to zone 3. The name is rather deceiving as they have no relation to olives, and are not eaten in the same way either. They reliably produce an abundance of berries that offer exceptional flavour and ornamental value too. They taste like a mix between strawberries and lemonade; they're so refreshing and delicious. As well as consuming them raw, some other edible uses include turning them into juice, jam, or jelly. Even the seeds are edible and nutritious, so the berries can be eaten whole. The trees bloom profusely, and the flowers are quite aromatic. They're a great source of pollen come early spring, and therefore attract beneficial insects to the surrounding area.
Autumn Olives are excellent nitrogen fixers, and some studies show that nearby fruit trees can yield 10% more fruit when planted near one because of the nutrients that they bring to the surrounding soil. Because they fix their own nitrogen, they can be planted in soil that doesn't offer optimal nutrition. The trees are self fertile, so don't require another for pollination; however, they'll produce heavier yields if another one is nearby. They grow to a medium height (about 14 feet), but they respond very well to pruning, so can (and should) be cut to ones desired shape and size. This species typically starts to produce in its 3rd or 4th year. Established plants are very drought resistant, fungus resistant, and heat tolerant. These shrubs make an excellent addition to home gardens and orchards.
All seeds are organic and open pollinated.
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Growing Instructions
For best results, It’s best to start Autumn Olive seeds outdoors either directly in the ground or in pots about 1-2 weeks before the first frost; we start them here on the farm in mid October. The soil should be made moist, but not damp. Sow the seeds 1/8 inch below the soil surface. Seeds should emerge the following spring. Once germinated, and the first true leaf has formed, it's time to pot up to a larger container that contains a good quality potting soil. Transplant to their final location when the nighttime temperatures are consistently 10°C or higher; for us at the farm, this is around May. The seeds have a thick coating, so can sometimes take 12-18 months to germinate. That said, they'll sprout much quicker if stratified and scarified; it's actually quite easy to remove the seed from its fibrous protective coating when using precise cutting tools like a razor and jewellers pliers. In our trials we've also had great success by using only fingernails.