Growing Toyon (Heteromoles arbutifolia )

[Anonymous]

I would like to try and propagate Toyon from seed but the two books I've consulted say that no treatment is needed if planted fresh or if the seeds have been stored then 3 months cold strat is needed first.

My questions is now that the berries are ripered do I just peel the flesh off the seed and plant the soft seed or do I pull some berries off the plant and wait until outer flesh of the berries rot away and the seed has a chance to develop a hard coat before planting?

Can someone help me out with this?

Thanks,

Jeff</p>

[Anonymous]

Jeff,

I've germinated Toyon seeds by removing the red flesh surrounding the seed. They germinated in about 2 weeks, but unfortunately, all seedlings succumbed to 'damping off'. This is apparently a common problem with Toyon seedlings, but I'm going to try again!

Jim Carretta</p>