Branching Out
Ash & Hawthorn are two of our most abundant native trees in Irish hedgerows. Both species are now under attack from disease. Ash dieback in the ash and fireblight in the hawthorn.
Sowing the Seed project are looking at ways in which we can help preserve our native trees for the future by collecting seed from the healthy trees.
See below how best to collect and store the seed of both these trees and join our Seed Sowing Meitheal at our community nursery as we seek to build up our own local supply and preserve our native hedgerows.
If you’d like to join Sowing the Seed Community Whats App group please message 086 1649989.
How To Gather the Seed
HAWTHORN Sceach gheal
Picking
Pick the red berries directly from the tree from the beginning of October onwards.
Extraction
You will need to extract the seed from the pulp of the berry which is very easy to do. Half fill a bucket with berries you collected and add a small amount of water. Using a square piece of wood (e.g. 5x5x20 cm), bruise the berries very gently. Pour off the flesh, skin and seeds that float to the top and repeat until all the pulp (flesh and skin) has been removed from the berries and you're left with clean seeds.
Storage
There are two options.
Option 1:
Hawthorn seed need 2 winters (16 months) to be ready to germinate so if you pick the seed in October 2024 then you will sow it in Spring 2026. Put a mix of one part seeds, one part building sand, and one part compost in a large plastic container with drainage. Cover it with a layer of sand and leave it outside over winter. The pot needs to remain outside for eighteen months. This is where patience is required! Water the pots if they show signs of drying out and protect from birds and mice.
Option 2:
Mix the seeds with some compost and building sand. Then put them in a clear, airtight, ziplock bag and place in your fridge. This means that if the haws were collected in early October 2024 for instance, then store the haws warm for the month of October into early November and then chill in the fridge until late February in time for sowing late February / early March 2026.
Sowing
In early Spring of the second year after collection check for signs of germination. If about 10% are showing signs of germination, they are ready to sow. Sow 3 seeds in a 1L pot of soil or else disperse in a seedbed with about 5mm between them and cover with 5-10mm of compost or grit. Firm gently and water.
How To Gather the Seed
ASH
Fuinseóg
Picking
Ash ‘keys’ are the last seed to fall. The most reliable seeds are those that have been picked brown in October and November. Place them in brown paper bags when collecting.
Extraction
Separate the Ash keys into individual seeds and allow them to dry further in a warm place.
Storage
Mix the seed with some compost and building sand. Then put in a clear, airtight, ziplock bag and place in your fridge for a period of roughly 17 - 20 weeks. Shake the bag periodically.
Pretreatment
Ash seeds need to be soaked in cold water for 48 hours. The water should be changed after the first day. Drain the seeds and mix them with a sand/compost mixture. For each handful of seeds add two or three handfuls of mixture. Select a pot that has enough room for this seed/sand mixture and put a layer of stones in the bottom. Cover the stones with sand. Place the seed mixture on top of this and cover this with 2-3cm sand. Label the pot and stand in a shady spot outside for 18 months for the seed to mature. Water if it is very dry and protect seeds from mice and birds.
Sowing
Sow three seeds per pot or aim for about 400 seeds in one square metre of a seedbed. Cover the seed with 5-10mm of coarse horticultural grit. Firm the seeds.