American Holly Ilex opaca 20 Seeds

Ilex opaca, commonly known as American holly, is a species of holly native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. It's a broadleaf evergreen tree that typically grows up to 50 feet tall, though it can sometimes reach 80 feet. The leaves are glossy green, oval to elliptical in shape, with spiny margins. Female trees produce bright red berries that persist through the winter, providing a food source for birds and other wildlife. It's a popular ornamental tree, often used in landscaping and holiday decorations due to its attractive foliage and berries. Additionally, its wood is valued for its hardness and is used in woodworking and for making fine furniture. Hardy in zones 5-9.

Growing Instructions for the American Holly

The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the spring or summer and they will germinate the next spring or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. 2. Warm stratify the seeds for 60 days. 3. Cold stratify the seeds for 60 days. 3. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. 4. Put the soil in a pot. 5. Sow the seeds 3/8 of an inch deep. 6. Water the soil so that it is moist but not wet. 7. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.