This is a "Multiple Variation" style listing. Use the "Seed Qty" drop-down menu, above, to select quantity/weight. Choose from: 20 Seeds for $2.00 60 Seeds for $4.00 120 Seeds for $6.00 240 Seeds for $10.00 480 Seeds for $18.00 960 Seeds for $34.00 This item ships free when paid together with any other purchase. U.S. addresses only. European Crab Apple, (French Crabapple), Malus sylvestris, Tree Seeds Hardy, Adaptable, Easy to Grow, Fast Growth, Bonsai, Espalier, Showy, Fragrant Flowers, Edible Fruits, Attracts Birds, Wildlife Food/Shelter, Cold, Drought and Wind Tolerant The European Crab Apple is a colorful seasonal provider of flower and fruit, which goes by the Latin name of Malus sylvestris, which means forest apple. It is thought to be an ancestor of the cultivated apple (Malus domestica), which is still under debate. It is a small deciduous fruiting tree often trained to a central lead or a delayed open center form, reaching a height of 20 to 30 feet. The bark is grayish and rough. As the tree grows and the trunk expands, fissures or cracks appear in the bark. Despite this the timber is very water resistant. In fact, part of the foundations of Venice are built from this timber. The leaves are alternate with a crooked and pointed tip. They vary in shape from round to oval. The underside of the leaves are smooth but can also be hairy. The flowers are white tinged with pink. They appear in April and May, having five petals. The flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by insects. The pinkish-white flowers are followed by edible tart fruits which are very small and normally green, ripening to yellow suffused with orange red. They are 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter and have a long stalk. It is by the fruit that you can best identify a crab apple; in fact, they are almost like cherries in shape and size. The fruit is excellent for jams and jellies. Apple trees begin to fruit in the 3rd year and come into full production from the 11th to 20th year. They may continue to fruit for about 100 years although the fruits may become commercially unprofitable. They require a period of winter dormancy, in general 900-1000 hours of more at less than 45°F. They performs best in areas with medium to low humidity, with long daylight hours, high light intensity and relatively warm days and cool nights. Other Names: French Crab apple, European crabapple, Malus silvestris, Irish crabapple, European Wild Apple, Wood apple Zone: 5 to 9 Growth Rate: Fast Plant Type: Small deciduous fruiting tree Family: Rosaceae Native Range: Europe Height: 20 to 30 feet Spread: 10 to 20 feet Shape: Shrub or small tree with a dense crown. Bloom Time: April-May Bloom Color: Pinkish-white Flower/Fruit: Pinkish-white fragrant flowers followed by tart 1 1/2 inch edible fruit. Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade Fall Color: Yellow Drought Tolerance: Moderate Water: Medium Maintenance: Medium Site Requirements /Soil Tolerances: Best grown in loamy, medium moisture, well-drained, acidic soil in full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soils. Culture: Promptly remove root suckers to control spread. Responds well to pruning and may be used as a hedge plant. Uses: Bonsai, espalier, hedge/screen, Fruit Uses: The fruit can be eaten fresh, or used to make cider, soft drinks, juice, and vinegars. Pectine is a valuable by-product of cider. The fruit is excellent for jams and jellies. The wood is hard and strong and used for quality tool handles and firewood. Sowing Malus sylvestris Seeds: For best results, please follow the instructions in the order provided. Scarify: Soak in water for 24 hours Stratify: Cold 30-75 days, 40 Degrees F in a moist medium (Not wet). Germination: Sow 1/4” Deep, Keep moist (not wet). For more information about seed pretreatment and growing trees and shrubs from seed, please try the following links: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/fcpg018.pdf/$file/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.