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Viburnum opulus

Crampbark · European Cranberrybush · European Cranberry Viburnum

Family ViburnaceaeGenus Viburnum

Heavy clusters of glossy translucent red berries on red stalks, among lobed leaves turning brown at the edges.
FruitWaitblockCC BY-SA 4.0

About the plant

What it is and where it grows — not part of any germination protocol.

The plant

Habit
Perennial, ShrubExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Habit
shrubPlants of the World Online
Height
12-16 ft3.7-4.9 mExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Spread
8-15 ft2.4-4.6 mExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Flower
Gold/Yellow, WhiteExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Blooms
Spring, SummerExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Native range
Albania, Algeria, Altay, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus and elsewhereGBIF Backbone Taxonomy
Hardiness zones
2-8Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Growing conditions

Sun
Full sun; Partial ShadeExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Soil
Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), SandExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Moisture
Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally WetExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Watering
Drought tolerance: MediumPLANTS Database

Toxicity is noted only where a source states it. No note here is not a finding of safety.

Sources: Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — NC State Extension; Plants of the World Online — Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — Global Biodiversity Information Facility; PLANTS Database — USDA NRCS.

Worth knowing

  • Guelder rose is from the Dutch province of Gelderland, where the snowball tree is said to have come from. It is not closely related to the cranberry. Wikipedia: Viburnum opulus
  • As kalyna, it runs through Ukrainian folklore, songs, embroidery and poetry, with roots in Slavic paganism. Wikipedia: Viburnum opulus

This source reports 6 treatments. All are shown.

Protocol 1

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty Moderate Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around July 28, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on July 27, 2025.

  1. Clean the flesh off the seed

  2. Dry storage

    Duration: 180 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  3. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

  4. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  5. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

    4 germinated in this phase.

  6. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  7. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

about 18 months from start to step 7. Germination happens during step 7, in 77 days.

70% germination in 28–77 days.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Viburnum p. 228Public domain
Show the original text
Viburnum (Caprlfollaceae). Viburnums divide into two groups. The first group germ. in a 40-70 pattern. The cotyledons develop within a week or two after germination. This group is adapted to germination in spring and immediate leaf development and growth. The second group germ. in a 40-70-40 pattern with extension into a 40-70-40-70-40 pattern. Germination takes place in a cycle at 40. The seedlings must be kept at 40 for two to three months after radicle development is complete in order for the cotyledons to develop properly on shifting to 70. Puncturing. the seed coat had no effect in three species. All seed was WC for 1-2 w. Germination was stimulated by GA-3 in V. opulis germ. 70-40(3%)-70-40(62% in 2-8 w) and 40-70-40(18%)-70(3%)- 40(16%)-70-40(14%) for fresh seed, 70(15%)-40-70-40(4%)-70-40(52% in 3-12 w) and 40-70-40(4%)-70-40(70% in 4-11 w) for seed DS 6 m at 70, and 70-40-70(2%)-40- 70-40(37% in 3-11 w) and 40-70-40(2%)-70(2%)-40(48% in 4-11 w) for seed DS 6 m at 40. Seed WC and sown outdoors in December delayed germination until the following October and November when 33% germ. However these seedling were killed by winter and this outdoor treatment is not recommended; The radicle and root system form at 40, and it is best to keep the seedlings at 40 for 2 m after radicle development is complete in order for the cotyledons to develop on shifting to 70. t1!'t
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Viburnum p. 228. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 2

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty High Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around May 15, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on May 14, 2026.

  1. Clean the flesh off the seed

  2. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  3. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

    3 germinated in this phase.

  4. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  5. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

about 9 months from start to step 5. Germination happens during step 5, in 56 days.

62% germination in 14–56 days.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Viburnum p. 228Public domain
Show the original text
Viburnum (Caprlfollaceae). Viburnums divide into two groups. The first group germ. in a 40-70 pattern. The cotyledons develop within a week or two after germination. This group is adapted to germination in spring and immediate leaf development and growth. The second group germ. in a 40-70-40 pattern with extension into a 40-70-40-70-40 pattern. Germination takes place in a cycle at 40. The seedlings must be kept at 40 for two to three months after radicle development is complete in order for the cotyledons to develop properly on shifting to 70. Puncturing. the seed coat had no effect in three species. All seed was WC for 1-2 w. Germination was stimulated by GA-3 in V. opulis germ. 70-40(3%)-70-40(62% in 2-8 w) and 40-70-40(18%)-70(3%)- 40(16%)-70-40(14%) for fresh seed, 70(15%)-40-70-40(4%)-70-40(52% in 3-12 w) and 40-70-40(4%)-70-40(70% in 4-11 w) for seed DS 6 m at 70, and 70-40-70(2%)-40- 70-40(37% in 3-11 w) and 40-70-40(2%)-70(2%)-40(48% in 4-11 w) for seed DS 6 m at 40. Seed WC and sown outdoors in December delayed germination until the following October and November when 33% germ. However these seedling were killed by winter and this outdoor treatment is not recommended; The radicle and root system form at 40, and it is best to keep the seedlings at 40 for 2 m after radicle development is complete in order for the cotyledons to develop on shifting to 70. t1!'t
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Viburnum p. 228. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 3

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty High Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around April 22, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on April 21, 2025.

  1. Clean the flesh off the seed

  2. Dry storage

    Duration: 180 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  3. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

    15 germinated in this phase.

  4. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

  5. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  6. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

    4 germinated in this phase.

  7. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  8. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

about 1.5 years from start to step 8. Germination happens during step 8, in 84 days.

52% germination in 21–84 days.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Viburnum p. 228Public domain
Show the original text
Viburnum (Caprlfollaceae). Viburnums divide into two groups. The first group germ. in a 40-70 pattern. The cotyledons develop within a week or two after germination. This group is adapted to germination in spring and immediate leaf development and growth. The second group germ. in a 40-70-40 pattern with extension into a 40-70-40-70-40 pattern. Germination takes place in a cycle at 40. The seedlings must be kept at 40 for two to three months after radicle development is complete in order for the cotyledons to develop properly on shifting to 70. Puncturing. the seed coat had no effect in three species. All seed was WC for 1-2 w. Germination was stimulated by GA-3 in V. opulis germ. 70-40(3%)-70-40(62% in 2-8 w) and 40-70-40(18%)-70(3%)- 40(16%)-70-40(14%) for fresh seed, 70(15%)-40-70-40(4%)-70-40(52% in 3-12 w) and 40-70-40(4%)-70-40(70% in 4-11 w) for seed DS 6 m at 70, and 70-40-70(2%)-40- 70-40(37% in 3-11 w) and 40-70-40(2%)-70(2%)-40(48% in 4-11 w) for seed DS 6 m at 40. Seed WC and sown outdoors in December delayed germination until the following October and November when 33% germ. However these seedling were killed by winter and this outdoor treatment is not recommended; The radicle and root system form at 40, and it is best to keep the seedlings at 40 for 2 m after radicle development is complete in order for the cotyledons to develop on shifting to 70. t1!'t
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Viburnum p. 228. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 4

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty High Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around July 28, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on July 27, 2025.

  1. Clean the flesh off the seed

  2. Dry storage

    Duration: 180 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

  3. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

  4. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  5. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

    2 germinated in this phase.

  6. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

    2 germinated in this phase.

  7. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

about 18 months from start to step 7. Germination happens during step 7, in 77 days.

48% germination in 28–77 days.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Viburnum p. 228Public domain
Show the original text
Viburnum (Caprlfollaceae). Viburnums divide into two groups. The first group germ. in a 40-70 pattern. The cotyledons develop within a week or two after germination. This group is adapted to germination in spring and immediate leaf development and growth. The second group germ. in a 40-70-40 pattern with extension into a 40-70-40-70-40 pattern. Germination takes place in a cycle at 40. The seedlings must be kept at 40 for two to three months after radicle development is complete in order for the cotyledons to develop properly on shifting to 70. Puncturing. the seed coat had no effect in three species. All seed was WC for 1-2 w. Germination was stimulated by GA-3 in V. opulis germ. 70-40(3%)-70-40(62% in 2-8 w) and 40-70-40(18%)-70(3%)- 40(16%)-70-40(14%) for fresh seed, 70(15%)-40-70-40(4%)-70-40(52% in 3-12 w) and 40-70-40(4%)-70-40(70% in 4-11 w) for seed DS 6 m at 70, and 70-40-70(2%)-40- 70-40(37% in 3-11 w) and 40-70-40(2%)-70(2%)-40(48% in 4-11 w) for seed DS 6 m at 40. Seed WC and sown outdoors in December delayed germination until the following October and November when 33% germ. However these seedling were killed by winter and this outdoor treatment is not recommended; The radicle and root system form at 40, and it is best to keep the seedlings at 40 for 2 m after radicle development is complete in order for the cotyledons to develop on shifting to 70. t1!'t
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Viburnum p. 228. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 5

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty High Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around April 29, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on April 28, 2025.

  1. Clean the flesh off the seed

  2. Dry storage

    Duration: 180 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

  3. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  4. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

  5. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

    2 germinated in this phase.

  6. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

  7. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  8. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

about 1.5 years from start to step 8. Germination happens during step 8, in 77 days.

37% germination in 21–77 days.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Viburnum p. 228Public domain
Show the original text
Viburnum (Caprlfollaceae). Viburnums divide into two groups. The first group germ. in a 40-70 pattern. The cotyledons develop within a week or two after germination. This group is adapted to germination in spring and immediate leaf development and growth. The second group germ. in a 40-70-40 pattern with extension into a 40-70-40-70-40 pattern. Germination takes place in a cycle at 40. The seedlings must be kept at 40 for two to three months after radicle development is complete in order for the cotyledons to develop properly on shifting to 70. Puncturing. the seed coat had no effect in three species. All seed was WC for 1-2 w. Germination was stimulated by GA-3 in V. opulis germ. 70-40(3%)-70-40(62% in 2-8 w) and 40-70-40(18%)-70(3%)- 40(16%)-70-40(14%) for fresh seed, 70(15%)-40-70-40(4%)-70-40(52% in 3-12 w) and 40-70-40(4%)-70-40(70% in 4-11 w) for seed DS 6 m at 70, and 70-40-70(2%)-40- 70-40(37% in 3-11 w) and 40-70-40(2%)-70(2%)-40(48% in 4-11 w) for seed DS 6 m at 40. Seed WC and sown outdoors in December delayed germination until the following October and November when 33% germ. However these seedling were killed by winter and this outdoor treatment is not recommended; The radicle and root system form at 40, and it is best to keep the seedlings at 40 for 2 m after radicle development is complete in order for the cotyledons to develop on shifting to 70. t1!'t
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Viburnum p. 228. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 6

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty High Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around September 17, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on September 16, 2026.

  1. Clean the flesh off the seed

  2. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

  3. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  4. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

  5. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

    3 germinated in this phase.

  6. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

    16 germinated in this phase.

  7. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  8. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

    14 germinated in this phase.

Steps after step 4 run on after germination.

about 6 months from start to step 4. Germination happens during step 4; time not stated, 21 days assumed.

18% germination.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Viburnum p. 228Public domain
Show the original text
Viburnum (Caprlfollaceae). Viburnums divide into two groups. The first group germ. in a 40-70 pattern. The cotyledons develop within a week or two after germination. This group is adapted to germination in spring and immediate leaf development and growth. The second group germ. in a 40-70-40 pattern with extension into a 40-70-40-70-40 pattern. Germination takes place in a cycle at 40. The seedlings must be kept at 40 for two to three months after radicle development is complete in order for the cotyledons to develop properly on shifting to 70. Puncturing. the seed coat had no effect in three species. All seed was WC for 1-2 w. Germination was stimulated by GA-3 in V. opulis germ. 70-40(3%)-70-40(62% in 2-8 w) and 40-70-40(18%)-70(3%)- 40(16%)-70-40(14%) for fresh seed, 70(15%)-40-70-40(4%)-70-40(52% in 3-12 w) and 40-70-40(4%)-70-40(70% in 4-11 w) for seed DS 6 m at 70, and 70-40-70(2%)-40- 70-40(37% in 3-11 w) and 40-70-40(2%)-70(2%)-40(48% in 4-11 w) for seed DS 6 m at 40. Seed WC and sown outdoors in December delayed germination until the following October and November when 33% germ. However these seedling were killed by winter and this outdoor treatment is not recommended; The radicle and root system form at 40, and it is best to keep the seedlings at 40 for 2 m after radicle development is complete in order for the cotyledons to develop on shifting to 70. t1!'t
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Viburnum p. 228. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

How each step is done, in Deno’s words, and what Verified and Derived mean.

Germination trials

Readers’ own records of sowing this species, published after review. Share your trial · All trials

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