Description
Elaeagnus angustifolia, commonly known as Russian Olive or Oleaster, is a hardy deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows 4 to 7 meters tall. It features narrow, silvery-green leaves and fragrant, creamy-yellow flowers that bloom in late spring, attracting pollinators. In autumn, it produces small, olive-like fruits that are enjoyed by wildlife.
Native to western and central Asia, Elaeagnus angustifolia thrives in sunny locations and poor, dry soils, showing exceptional drought and cold tolerance. Its silvery foliage and adaptability make it a popular choice for ornamental planting, windbreaks, and erosion control in challenging environments.
Germination Guide
🌍 Temperate western Asia (Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan), northwestern India, northeastern Pakistan, and southeastern Europe (Belarus, Moldova)
Difficult
Elaeagnus angustifolia, commonly known as Russian olive, is a thorny deciduous tree native to temperate regions of western Asia and southeastern Europe. This species exhibits deep seed dormancy due to inhibitory compounds in the seed coat, requiring a combination of warm and cold stratification to achieve germination. Seeds can be sown directly in autumn without prior treatment, but pre-treatment significantly improves germination rates.
Germination
Germination time
Expect germination in
90 – 180 days
Temperature
Min -45°C
Ideal 21°C
Max 46°C
🌡️ Temperature alternation recommended
— Fluctuating temperatures during cold stratification, such as keeping seeds in a cold shed through winter with natural temperature fluctuations, can provide excellent germination results.
Substrate moisture
💧 Medium
Seed Pre-treatment
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💧
Soaking — 6 hours
Submerge seeds in hot tap water and allow to cool for 6 hours. Can also pre-soak in warm conditions (20°C) for 4 weeks before cold stratification to improve germination.
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🔨
Hot water scarification
Hot water treatment or sulfuric acid treatment may improve germination if water imbibition is incomplete. Submerge seeds in hot tap water and leave to soak for 6 hours as the water cools.
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❄️
Cold then warm stratification — 90 days at 4°C
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📋
Additional notes
A warm stratification for 4 weeks at 20°C (68°F) followed by 8-12 weeks of cold stratification at 4°C (39°F) significantly improves germination rates. Six days of seed washing before cold stratification can also improve results.
Substrate & Container
Recommended substrate
Well-drained seed compost mixed 1:1 with vermiculite or sand, or moist sand
Recommended container
Seed trays, pots, or direct sowing in seedbed outdoors after pre-treatment
Growing Tips
Keep the stratification medium moist but not wet to prevent seed death. Seeds germinate slowly and may take 90-180 days or more; patience is essential. Once germination begins, carefully pot up seedlings. Ungerminated seeds can be subjected to the warm-cold treatment cycle again for continued germination over several years. Mulch seedbeds and maintain consistent moisture. Allow seedlings to grow 15 cm tall before final transplanting. Avoid temperatures above 25°C during early germination.
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