Pyracantha and holly berries

I came across some pyracantha and holly today. I'm going to try rooting the cuttings, but are the seeds within the berries viable for sowing? If so, what is the process for germinating them?

This message was edited Dec 19, 2010 12:17 AM

Both of these will root, if given proper care and such. I found both root better with a rooting hormone, be sure your cuttings are not too long with no fruit or flowers, about 2-3" is usually fine... any more and you risk desiccation before roots form. Each species has its own 'best' time to take cuttings for rooting. Ensuring your 'parent' plant is in good health and actively growing can help the survival rate.
As for seeds, Im not familiar with either of them - they are both typically propagated by stem cuttings. I looked up both and found they each have different requirements and Hollies tend to have a low germination rate... you would need to look up the specific requirements for the species you have or you can always experiment - remember that not all plants grow as per the 'book' so you may find things that work differently for you than someone else, but you may want to read up the basic requirements so you know if you are failing or the seeds more time to germinate.

Good Luck!

Thank you so much.

I tried rooting them last fall (Pyro) and they stayed alive for most of the Winter, but I did not put root hormone on them. The hot days started to come here and there and the last one died. They stayed green but there were no roots at all. I really want to do more though. I also tried in my propagator and they rotted black. I am trying again. I love them and can not get them to survive my soil for the first year when I buy them. One of the largest most established plants that I had when I moved here was a large Pyrocantha so I know it is possible for them to live. I'm tired of losing the ones I buy though.