Hovenia dulcis – Japanese Raisin Tree seeds

Description

Hovenia dulcis, or Japanese raisin tree, is a deciduous tree valued for its glossy foliage, fragrant summer flowers, and highly unusual edible fruit stalks. Native to East Asia, it’s well suited to temperate parts of New Zealand and performs well in fertile, well-drained soils.

The actual fruits are small and hard, but the swollen fruit stalks (peduncles) are the edible portion — sweet, chewy, and raisin-like when dried or left to wrinkle on the tree. They can be eaten fresh or added to baking, muesli, or brewed into a mild alcoholic drink. Their sugar content can be as high as 25%. In traditional Chinese medicine, the species is also used for its liver-supporting properties, particularly after alcohol consumption.

The tree typically grows 10–15 metres tall, with a rounded, spreading crown and no thorns. It prefers full sun and fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Reasonably drought-tolerant once established. It is hardy to around –20°C and requires some winter chill for consistent flowering and fruiting — generally satisfied in most temperate New Zealand regions.

Hovenia dulcis is self-fertile but may fruit more heavily when multiple individuals are planted. For seed-grown stock, plant at least 3–5 seedlings to allow for natural variation and increased productivity.

Germination and Cold Stratification:
Seed requires 2–3 months of cold, moist stratification at 1–5°C. After this period, sow in warm conditions (20–25°C). Germination can be slow and irregular — allow up to 8 weeks.

Outdoor Stratification Tip:
Sow seeds in autumn and place them in a shaded, rodent-proof location outdoors. Natural winter conditions will stratify the seed, with germination beginning in spring as temperatures rise.