How to collect and stratify euonymus seeds
Collect the seeds of Euonymus europaeus so you can propagate a native hedge. The seeds will remain dormant until they've been stratified (exposed) to winter's cold temperatures, so sow them straight outside - protected from vermin - or recreate the temperatures needed to break their dormancy by popping them in the fridge. Be sure to wash your hands after handling the seeds as they are toxic.
1 SNIP off branches with bright-pink fruits that have popped open, showing the orange seed in the centre, and take them indoors. 2 EXTRACT the orange seeds from the pink fruits, keeping all those that are undamaged, firm and shiny as these are the ones most likely to germinate.
3 PUT some vermiculite or sharp sand into a clean polythene bag and dampen it. Add the seeds and mix them in the bag.
4 ADD a label and keep it at 15°C for 10 weeks, followed by a 16-week cold spell in the fridge before sowing in April.