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Seed Germination Kit

American Holly Tree Seed Starter Grow Kit

BOTANICAL NAMEIlex opaca

USD 14.99

Currently unavailable

American holly is the classic evergreen of the holidays, with glossy, spined leaves and bright red winter berries.

GERMINATION30-90 days
SUNLIGHTFull Sun to Partial Shade (4-6 hours daily)

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The growing details, all in one place.

Germination01

30-90 days

Light02

Full Sun to Partial Shade (4-6 hours daily)

Temperature03

40F (cold stratification)

Hardiness04

Check the directions supplied with your seed variety.

THE PLANT NOTEBOOK

American Holly care, from seed onward.

Botanical name
Ilex opaca
Common names
Holly
Family
Aquifoliaceae
Genus
Ilex
Species
I. opaca
01

Start growing

Sun or shade. Likes acidic soil. Plant in groups for berries.

02

Growing with your kit

Holly seeds take a long time to germinate (dormancy). The Seeds In A Cup® kit uses stratified seeds to speed this up.

03

Propagation

Cuttings or seed.

04

Seasonal growth & harvest

Dioecious (needs male and female to fruit). Berries persist into winter.

05

Growing conditions

Moist, acidic forests.

06

Weather & tolerances

Shade tolerant; pollution tolerant.

07

Pests & plant health

Leaf miner and scale.

08

Plant safety

Berries are toxic to humans/pets (vomiting); leaves are spiny.

09

Botanical features

An evergreen tree/shrub with spiny, leathery leaves and bright red berries (drupes) on female plants.

10

Varieties

‘Satyr Hill’, ‘Jersey Princess’.

11

Garden & everyday uses

Winter holiday decoration. wood used for piano keys (dyed black)

12

Native range & distribution

Eastern and South-Central United States.

13

Conservation

Secure.

14

Name origins

‘Ilex’ is the Latin name for Holm Oak (which has similar leaves).

15

History

Associated with winter solstice celebrations and protection against lightning.

A closer look

The details
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Full product description
American holly is the classic evergreen of the holidays, with glossy, spined leaves and bright red winter berries. How to grow American Holly from seed Start here: American Holly seeds need a cold, moist rest first. Mix them into the damp soil, cover with the humidity lid, and chill the planter in your refrigerator for several weeks before moving it somewhere warm and bright. Sow your seeds at the depth listed on the included instruction card and cover lightly. Then set the clear humidity lid on top to hold warmth and moisture. Keep the planter warm and in bright light, and mist the surface whenever it begins to dry. When your American Holly sprouts appear, remove the lid and move it to your brightest window or under a grow light. Once seedlings have their second set of true leaves, pot them up or move them outdoors after your last frost. American Holly at a glance Botanical name: Ilex opaca Germination: 30-60 days at 40F (cold stratification) USDA zones: Any Zone If grown indoors Mature size: 15-30 feet Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade (4-6 hours daily) Seeds included: 2-10 seeds Frequently asked questions What's included in the American Holly Seed Starter Grow Kit? Do American Holly seeds need cold stratification? Yes — American Holly seeds are raw and untreated, so they need a cold, moist rest to break dormancy. Mix them into the damp soil, cover with the lid, and chill the planter in the refrigerator for several weeks, then move it somewhere warm and bright. How long do American Holly seeds take to germinate? American Holly seeds typically sprout in 30-60 days at 40F when kept warm and evenly moist. Your guide lists the ideal conditions. Can I grow American Holly indoors, and is it hardy in my area? You start American Holly indoors in any climate using the kit. Once established it can be moved outdoors in Any Zone If grown indoors, or kept in a container in colder regions. What if my seeds don't sprout?
Catalog variants
  • SIAC-001-122254 — USD 14.99 · Out of stock
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Good questions grow here

A little more clarity.

Do American Holly seeds need cold stratification?

Yes — American Holly seeds are raw and untreated, so they need a cold, moist rest to break dormancy. Mix them into the damp soil, cover with the lid, and chill the planter in the refrigerator for several weeks, then move it somewhere warm and bright.

How long do American Holly seeds take to germinate?

American Holly seeds typically sprout in 30-60 days at 40F when kept warm and evenly moist. Your guide lists the ideal conditions.

Can I grow American Holly indoors, and is it hardy in my area?

You start American Holly indoors in any climate using the kit. Once established it can be moved outdoors in Any Zone If grown indoors, or kept in a container in colder regions.

INFORMATION SOURCE

Growing details are supplied in the Seeds In A Cup product catalog. Follow the instructions included with your specific kit.

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