Provided by IKEA and the Woodland Trust
At Sweden on Stage on Hampstead Heath free packs of Rowan Tree Seeds were handed out to everyone who visited the IKEA mini golf stand or the Tetra Pak stand.
Rowan Tree (sorbus aucuparia)
Also known as Mountain Ash, Rowan is a hardy tree suitable for most soil types and produces creamy-white flowers followed by red berries in late summer, providing an important food source for birds.
Sowing instructions
Fill pots or trays with a good well drained seed sowing compost and then sow the seeds onto the surface of the moist compost and cover the seeds with 3 -5mm of sand or sieved fine compost. Place the pots or trays in a polythene bag and place containers into a fridge (Not Freezer) at a temperature of 40F (5C) for 4 months. After this pre chilling place the containers at a temperature of 18-21C (65-70F) so germination can be initiated. Germination is often erratic and can take between 120-180 days.
Growing instructions
Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Pot on as required until large enough for planting out. This hardy tree is suitable for most soil types and produces creamy-white flowers followed by red berries in late summer which provides an important food source for birds. Best grown in a sunny position or in partial shade. Evenutal Height: 10-15m Spread: 7-8m