Raising trees and shrubs from seed

This Practice Guide introduces the principles and practical methods for collecting, storing and propagating from seed a wide range of woody species commonly grown in the British Isles. It is aimed partly at anyone interested in raising a relatively small number of plants, and partly at commercial growers – as a useful reference but without the legal aspects. The Guide begins with information on flowering and fruit development, and recommendations for small–scale collecting, handling and processing. It then provides detailed advice on storage, dormancy and pretreatment methods for over 100 woody species. It gives suggestions of ‘things to try’ to hasten dormancy breakage in the most time consuming and dormant species. The Guide concludes with some tips on sowing seeds and raising seedlings.