Seed strain selection based on the highest yielding berry production meant for fruit production and orchards for the making of syrups, jam and drinks. Dark red berries are produced in larger clusters making picking by hand easier. These seed selections are the final results of us searching for the best Autumn olives many of which were roadside plants and a few cultivated seedlings at our farm. These include the high lycopene (20 times more lycopene than a tomato) dark red selection called Red Olive and the cluster fruit tendencies of VanKal. These show a possibility of selecting a berry with a bright future for its incredibly healthful and cancer preventative fruits with edible seeds as well as its nitrogen fixing tendencies which encourages both the growth of many native plants and native pollinators.
Unfortunately because of its over use by the conservation districts as a wildlife plant and its ability to thrive in 'damaged' soils it is now illegal to sell in Michigan. So we do offer the seeds for free for those wishing to develop this crop on a larger scale.
Special thanks to the USDA scientists and Hector Black of Hidden Springs Nursery for their forward thinking and finding a great use for such a beneficial plant. Nitrogen fixing this plant speeds the growth of trees near its vicinity.
Everyone should grow this plant for its health giving properties.
Germination instructions: Mix the seeds with a little lightly moist sand or Canadian peat moss. Put in the refrigerator for 90 days. After 90 days take out of the refrigerator. Seeds will start to germinate quickly. Some may show signs of roots emerging in the refrigerator. Without the moisture during the cold period, the seeds will not germinate. Outside planting can be fall sown to emerge in the spring. Cover the seed lightly with 1/4 inch of soil or sand. Tamp the seeds in place.
