Cotoneaster acutifolius seeds, Peking Cotoneaster

Sowing **Cotoneaster acutifolius** (sharp-leaved cotoneaster), a hardy and ornamental shrub, requires careful preparation to break the natural dormancy of the seeds. Here is a detailed guide to successfully sowing:

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### Materials needed:
- Seeds of **Cotoneaster acutifolius**.
- Light, well-drained substrate (mixture of potting soil, sand or perlite).
- Stratification tray or refrigerator.
- Seedling pots or trays.
- Spray bottle or watering can with low flow.

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### Steps for sowing:

#### 1. **Seed harvest and preparation**:
- Harvest ripe berries in autumn, when they are very black.
- Crush the berries to extract the seeds and rinse them thoroughly in clean water to remove all the pulp. This prevents mold and promotes good germination.

#### 2. **Cold stratification (essential)**:
- **Cotoneaster acutifolius** seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy.
- Mix the seeds with a moist substrate (sand or vermiculite).
- Place them in an airtight plastic bag or closed container.
- Store them in the refrigerator at a temperature of **2 to 5°C** for **3 to 6 months**.
- Check regularly that the substrate remains slightly damp.

#### 3. **Preparation of the seed substrate**:
- Mix seed starting soil with sand or perlite to ensure good drainage.
- Fill the pots or seed trays with this mixture.

#### 4. **Sowing the seeds**:
- After stratification, sow the seeds at a depth of **1 to 2 cm**.
- Cover them lightly with a thin layer of sieved substrate.
- Tamp gently to ensure good contact between the seeds and the substrate.

#### 5. **Watering**:
- Lightly moisten the substrate with a spray bottle or a low-flow watering can.
- Maintain constant humidity without soaking the substrate.

#### 6. **Germination conditions**:
- Place the pots in a bright place but away from direct sunlight.
- The ideal temperature for germination is **15 to 20 °C**.
- Germination can be slow and erratic, typically taking **6 to 12 months**, or even longer in some cases.

#### 7. **Replanting**:
- When the seedlings reach about **5 to 10 cm** in height and develop several true leaves, transplant them into individual pots.
- Use a similar substrate and continue to grow them in a bright place.

#### 8. **Planting in open ground**:
- Transplant the young plants into their final location after their first year of growth, when all risk of frost has passed.
- Space the plants **1.5 to 2 meters** apart to allow them to develop well.

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### Additional tips:
- **Exposure**: **Cotoneaster acutifolius** prefers full sun, but tolerates partial shade.
- **Soil**: It grows well in well-drained soils, even calcareous or slightly poor.
- **Hardiness**: This shrub is very hardy and resists cold climates well.
- **Watering**: Water moderately during the first few weeks after planting. Once established, it tolerates drought well.
- **Maintenance**: Prune lightly to maintain a compact shape and promote healthy growth.

With these steps you will be able to successfully grow **Cotoneaster acutifolius**, a robust and decorative shrub ideal for hedges or isolated plantings. 🌿