Question From: k. buzzell - Gardner, Massachusetts, United States
Q: I picked some red berries from 30 foot tall Holly trees in Chapel Hill, NC. last November 2014. I would like to grow them here in Gardner, Ma. 01440. Any suggestions as how to plant from seed/berry and care for in winter here. The row of trees I saw was magnificent! thank you Ken
A: Sadly I don't recommend it. Provenance has a great deal to do with a plant's zone or cold hardiness. What grows in North Carolina will probably not be winter hardy in Mass. and God knows the past two winters have been brutal. Check with your local nursery as to what is hardy in your area. Also, Holly seeds take eons to germinate ( 18 months to 3 years) and many will not be viable. You must have a male and female to get berries, which takes 3 or more years. If you're determined, google how to germinate holly seeds. Good Lucky,Nancy
