Autumn Olive Eleagnus umbellata silverberry 10 seeds

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Autumn Olive Eleagnus umbellata Japanese silverberry

edible fruit with lots of antioxidants, perfect as dried fruit

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Elaeagnus umbellata, also referred to as Japanese Silverberry, Umbellate Oleaster or Autumn-olive.

Autumn olive is a deciduous shrub from 3-20 ft. (0.9-6.1 m) in height. It is easily recognized by the silvery, dotted underside of the leaves. Leaves are alternate and 1 in. (2.5 cm) wide. Small, yellowish flowers are abundant and occur in clusters near the stems in May to June. Fruits ripen from September to November. When ripe, the fruit is juicy and edible, and works well as a dried fruit. It is small, extremely numerous, tart-tasting, and it has a chewable seed. It has been shown to have from 7 to 17 times the amount of the antioxidant lycopene that tomatoes have.

Hardy zone 4-8

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Sowing instructions

Sow seeds in pots or trays of moist seed compost and cover with a sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. After sowing, seal container inside a polythene bag and place into a refrigerator (not freezer) for 3 months. Then, return container to a temperature of around 68F. Germination can be slow. Examine container regularly and carefully transplant individual seedlings when large enough to handle into 3in) pots or trays. If germination has not occurred within this period, then repeat the cycle as shown above. The method recommended to germinate this particular variety of seed is a simulation of how the seeds germinate in natural conditions. By following these instructions, you should achieve maximum success.

An alternative method of germination is to sow as follows: Sow seed in pots or trays of good seed compost and cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. After sowing, seal container inside a polythene bag and place in a cold frame or sheltered part of the garden. Check regularly and ensure compost does not dry out. Germination can take up to a year.