Mazzard Cherry Tree Seeds

Grow the classic Mazzard Cherry Tree from seed and enjoy a beautiful, long-lived ornamental and fruiting tree valued for its fragrant spring blossoms, glossy green foliage, and sweet cherries that attract birds and other wildlife. Prunus avium, commonly known as Mazzard Cherry or Wild Cherry, is widely used as a rootstock for cultivated cherry varieties and also makes an excellent landscape tree. Its stunning display of white flowers in early spring provides valuable nectar for pollinators before producing small, flavorful cherries later in the season.

Botanical Information

• Botanical Name: Prunus avium (Imported)
• Common Name: Mazzard Cherry, Wild Cherry
• Germination Rate: 60–80%
• Plant Family: Rosaceae
• Mature Height: 40–60 feet
• Mature Spread: 25–40 feet
• Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8
• Light Requirements: Full Sun
• Soil Preference: Moist, fertile, well-drained loam or sandy soils
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate once established
• Deer Resistance: Low to Moderate
• Wildlife Value: Highly attractive to birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Germination Instructions

Seed requires 30–60 days of warm moist stratification followed by 90–120 days of cold moist stratification for best germination.

Before beginning stratification:

1. Soak the seeds in room-temperature water for 48 hours.
2. Change the water after the first 24 hours.
3. Adding a few drops of lemon juice to the soaking water may improve germination results.
4. After soaking, begin the recommended warm stratification period, followed immediately by the cold stratification period.
5. Sow the stratified seeds in a well-drained seed-starting mix and keep evenly moist until germination occurs.

Growing Information

• Produces abundant clusters of fragrant white flowers in early spring.
• Develops glossy green foliage that turns attractive shades of yellow and orange in autumn.
• Produces small, sweet cherries enjoyed by birds and wildlife.
• Excellent choice for wildlife plantings, orchards, windbreaks, and naturalized landscapes.
• Can serve as a vigorous rootstock for many cultivated sweet cherry varieties.
• Prefers consistent moisture during establishment but becomes moderately drought tolerant with age.
• Performs best in locations with full sun and good air circulation.
• Long-lived deciduous tree with an attractive rounded crown.

Seed Quantities Available

• 1 oz. - 125 Seeds
• 1/4 lb. - 500 Seeds
• 1 lb. - 2,000 Seeds