This is a "Multiple Variation" style listing. Use the "Seed Qty" drop-down menu, above, to select quantity/weight. Choose from: 5 Seeds for $2.00 15 Seeds for $4.00 30 Seeds for $7.00 60 Seeds for $13.00 120 Seeds for $24.00240 Seeds for $45.00 This item ships free when paid together with any other purchase. U.S. addresses only. Natal Plum, Carissa macrocarpa, (Carissa grandiflora), Shrub Seeds Fast Growth, Showy Fragrant Flowers, Edible Fruits, Attracts Birds, Wildlife Food/Shelter, Sub-Tropical, Heat, Wind and Salt Tolerant, Hedge, Container or Bonsai Natal Plum is a moderate to fast growing evergreen shrub of rather loose habit that grows 5 to 15 feet with spines along its branches and at the end of each twig. The charm of the Natal Plum lies in rich green, closely set 1 inch long oval leaves. It is noted for its fragrant star-like flowers to 2 inches across(that may bloom anytime of the year), followed by 2 inch edible scarlet fruits that look like plums. The oval fruit with tender, smooth skin turns to a bright magenta red to dark crimson. It must be fully ripe and slightly soft to the touch to be eaten raw. Natal Plum is a subtropical plant, thriving throughout Florida and enduring temperatures as low as 25 F when well-established. Young plants need protection when the temperature drops below 29F. Natal Plum has moderate drought tolerance and is a very popular seaside hedge plant in South Florida because of its high resistance to soil salinity, wind and salt spray. The fruits of the Natal Plum are eaten fresh but are most often used for sauces, jellies and even ice cream. Sauce made from Natal Plum is often said to taste almost like that made from cranberries. Many landscapers use Natal Plum more for its ornamental value than for its fruits and allow birds and other animals to enjoy the fruits but some people have developed quite a liking for the fruits and purposely buy natal plum for that purpose. Natal Plum can also be grown well in containers and because of its attractive leaves, flowers and fruit, makes an excellent container specimen or even bonsai. Natal Plum is native to South Africa and was first introduced into the United States in 1886 by the horticulturist Theodore L. Meade. Leaf: Evergreen, opposite leaves are broad-ovate, 1 to 2 inches long, dark-green, glossy, leathery. Flower: Sweetly fragrant, white, 5-lobed, tubular flowers to 2 inches and are borne singly or a few together at the tips of branchlets all year. Some plants bear flowers that are functionally male, larger than normal and with larger anthers, and stamens much longer than the style. Functionally female flowers have stamens the same length as the style and small anthers without pollen. Fruit: Round, oval or oblong fruit, to 2 1/2 inches long and up to 1 1/2 inches across, is green and rich in latex when unripe. As it ripens, the tender, smooth skin turns to a bright magenta-red coated with a thin, whitish bloom, and finally dark-crimson. The flesh is tender, very juicy, strawberry-colored and -flavored, with flecks of milky sap. Massed in the center are 6 to 16 small, thin, flat, brown seeds, not objectionable when eaten. Other Names: Hedgethorne Zone: 9 to 11 Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub Family: Apocynaceae Native Range: South Africa Height: 5 to 15 feet Bloom Color: White Sun: Full Sun Fall Color: Evergreen Drought Tolerance: Moderate Water: Low Maintenance: Moderate Site Requirements /Soil Tolerances: Natal Plum does best in at least 4 hours of direct sunlight a day, night temperatures of 50 to 65° and day temperatures of 68° or higher. Due to the wide tolerance of soil types, it can be grown almost anywhere there is good drainage and sufficient light. A suitable compost for Natal plum consists of 2 parts loam to 1 part peat moss to 1 part sand. Culture: Fertilize every 3 to 4 months. Trim Natal Plum anytime of the year. Seedlings may begin to produce fruit in 2 years. Uses: Thorns make Natal Plum an excellent plant for barriers and is a good container specimen or bonsai. Sowing Carissa grandiflora Seeds: For best results, please follow the instructions in the order provided. Scarify: Soak in water for 24 hours. Stratify: None Germination: Sow 1/4” Deep, Keep warm and Moist (Not wet).For more information about seed pretreatment and growing trees and shrubs from seed, please download this .pdf:https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/documents/1449/fcpg018.pdf Germination: Seeds Packets are labeled with seed name and sowing details. Seeds have not been pretreated unless specified in the listing. Seed is not a specific Cultivar (Variety) unless specified in the listing. Due to the many factors involved in successful germination, Seller cannot be responsible for buyers growing methods or mistakes. I have provided what I believe to be a good overview on this page (which you are free to print for further reference), however, it is still recommended to check specialist literature for more details and practices specific to your climate and soil conditions to avoid mistakes in the germination and growing process. Shipping and Discounts: All items are set up to automatically discount as follows: Any promotional offers are discounted by using the "Add to Cart "only.To qualify for any discounts, items must be paid together, on the same eCRATER invoice.If paid separately, no discounts will be applied though seller reserves the right to ship together.If there are any questions or concerns about the amount due, please message me before paying so I can address all of your concerns before there is a problem. Buyer assumes responsibility once payment has been made. International Buyer’s: It is the buyer’s responsibility to know their countries customs laws. Plant and plant materials including seeds may be restricted from importing to your country. Please check with your customs agency and or post office before purchasing. Upon purchasing this item Buyer accepts the risk of item being confiscated and/or destroyed by customs and Seller will not be held liable for this. If you are on my exclusion list it is because: “Plant and plant materials including seeds” are restricted from importing to your country, it is enforced by your country and there is a high rate of customs checking for this.