Nanking Cherry Seeds – 10 Cold Hardy Prunus Tomentosa Fruiting Shrub Seeds

Nanking Cherry (Prunus tomentosa) is a cold-hardy, deciduous fruiting shrub prized for its early spring flowers and small, sweet-tart cherries. Native to East Asia, this adaptable shrub produces fragrant white to pale pink blossoms that attract pollinators, followed by bright red fruits in early summer. The cherries are excellent for fresh eating, jams, jellies, and pies. Nanking Cherry is an excellent choice for hedgerows, wildlife plantings, and edible landscapes, thriving in cooler climates where other fruits may struggle.

This listing offers 10 seeds of Nanking Cherry, ready for stratification and planting. With proper care, these seeds can grow into productive shrubs that provide beauty and harvest for years to come.

Plant Features

• Cold-hardy fruiting shrub, suitable for USDA zones 2-7
• Produces fragrant white to pale pink flowers in early spring
• Yields small, sweet-tart red cherries in early summer
• Attracts pollinators and wildlife
• Excellent for hedges, borders, and edible landscaping

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Prunus tomentosa
• Plant Type: Deciduous fruiting shrub
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil; tolerates a range of soil types
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist, especially during establishment
• Growth Habit: Upright, spreading shrub
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-7
• Bloom Season: Early spring
• Mature Height: 6-10 feet
• Germination Requirements: Cold stratification recommended; sow seeds outdoors in fall or stratify in refrigerator for 60-90 days before sowing indoors
• Spacing: 4-6 feet apart

Planting & Care

To grow Nanking Cherry from seed, cold stratification is essential. Mix seeds with moist peat moss or sand and refrigerate for 60-90 days. After stratification, sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature around 65-70°F (18-21°C). Germination can be slow and uneven, so be patient. Once seedlings have developed several true leaves, transplant them into individual pots and grow them on in a bright, sheltered location until they are large enough to plant outdoors.

When planting outdoors, choose a site with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a deep root system. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Prune as needed to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches. Nanking Cherry is generally low-maintenance and resistant to many pests and diseases.

What's Included

10 Nanking Cherry (Prunus tomentosa) seeds.