Hawthorn can be grown as a tree or a hedge. As trees, they are small to medium-sized and ideal for your garden. As hedges, they form a dense boundary that blossoms and supports wildlife.
Hawthorn is a beautiful flowering tree that produces edible berries loved by birds. Also known as May tree, Quickthorn or Whitethorn hawthorn (Crataegus species) can make a great addition to any garden. Growing your own hawthorn from seed may seem daunting, but with proper planning and care you can have your own hawthorn tree. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through each step of the process.
Why Grow Your Own Hawthorn
There are many great reasons to grow your own hawthorn tree from seed:
- Beautiful spring blossoms with a sweet, almond-like scent
- Red berries that attract birds and wildlife in the fall
- Compact size, growing 10-15 feet tall
- Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions
- Provides food and shelter for pollinators
- Edible leaves, flowers and berries for humans too
- Long lifespan of up to 400 years!
When to Collect Hawthorn Seeds
Timing is crucial when collecting hawthorn seeds. The berries (also called haws) should be harvested in early fall when they are fully ripe and red. This is typically between early October and late November. Pick them directly from the tree branches to avoid damaging the plant. Select plump deep red berries and avoid any that are shriveled.
After collecting the haws, remove the seeds from the pulp right away. Rinse off any remaining flesh and allow to dry on a towel or screen for a few days. Well-dried seeds can then be stored in envelopes or breathable containers in the refrigerator until planting.
Stratifying Hawthorn Seeds
Due to their hard outer coating, hawthorn seeds require a period of cold, moist stratification to break dormancy before they will germinate.
The easiest method is refrigerator stratification:
- Place seeds in a plastic bag with equal parts damp peat moss, vermiculite or sand.
- Seal bag and refrigerate for 90-120 days, checking moisture levels periodically.
For a more natural approach, bury seeds outdoors in a mix of equal parts peat moss and sand. Store the container at 33-40°F and ensure consistent moisture for 2-4 months.
How to Plant Stratified Hawthorn Seeds
In early spring after stratification, hawthorn seeds are ready for sprouting. Choose from these planting options:
Outdoors
- Sow seeds 1 inch deep in prepared garden soil. Space 12-18 inches apart.
Seed Trays
- Use starter mix and plant 1-2 seeds per cell. Keep warm (65-75°F) until sprouted.
Pots
- Fill with seed starting mix, sow seeds just below surface. Provide warmth and light.
Beds
- Broadcast seeds closely in rows in a nursery bed outdoors. Cover with 1⁄4 inch grit.
After planting, water gently and maintain even moisture. Protect newly planted seeds from birds. Germination can take 4-18 months due to the hard seed coat. Be patient!
Caring for Hawthorn Seedlings
As seedlings emerge, remove weaker plants to leave the strongest one per container or planting spot. Water regularly during the first year. After 12-18 months, transplant outdoors when dormant in late fall or winter.
Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Amend if needed to create ideal growing conditions. Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball. Carefully place the seedling at the same level as it was growing and backfill the hole. Water thoroughly after transplanting.
For the first 2-3 years, irrigate during drought and protect from deer, rabbits and rodents with fencing. Apply mulch around the base to conserve moisture. Hawthorn is relatively pest and disease resistant once established. Minimal pruning is required, mostly to shape trees when young.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some potential problems and solutions for growing hawthorn from seed:
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Seeds fail to germinate: Old or unripe seed, improper stratification, planting too deep, temperature/moisture issues. Start over with fresh seed.
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Poor seedling growth: Underwatering, insufficient light, root disturbance upon transplanting. Improve growing conditions.
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Leaf spots or mildew: Avoid wetting foliage, increase sunlight and air flow, use organic fungicides. Prune affected parts.
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Dropped leaves or dieback: Underwatering, overwatering, extreme weather shifts. Check soil drainage and moisture. Mulch.
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Wildlife damage: Use deterrent sprays, netting/fencing until established.
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Leaning trunk: Exposed site, weak root system. Stake until strong roots develop.
Be Patient for Your Own Hawthorn Tree
Growing hawthorn from seed requires patience. The waiting period for germination can seem long, but the rewards are worth it. In a few short years, you’ll have your own beautiful hawthorn tree that will provide interest, food and habitat for decades to come. Follow these tips and enjoy the journey as your seeds become magnificent mature trees.
All you need to know Before you get started
Do you want to grow a hawthorn hedge or tree? Knowing this simple answer will help you decide which hawthorn is right for you.
Common hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna, is a British
A native plant is one that originated or arrived naturally in a particular place without human involvement. In the British Isles, native plants are those that were here during the last ice age or have arrived unaided since.
native plant that makes a medium-sized hedge up to 3m (10ft) in height. However, it can easily be kept at a lower height of between 1.4-2.5m (5-8ft) if trimmed. Hawthorn has a looser, less formal appearance when trimmed occasionally, or left untrimmed. Leaving longer periods between trimming reduces maintenance and often improves spring blossom. To create a diverse habitat for wildlife, hawthorn can also be planted with other native species like Corylus avellana (hazel) and Sambucus nigra (elder). Crataegus laevigata (Midland hawthorn) has pink/red-flowered cultivars, can also be used for hedging, but it is sold less frequently in quantity. Hawthorn is deciduous, so if you prefer a green hedge year-round, choose an evergreen such as Taxus baccata (English yew), Prunus laurocerasus (cherry laurel) or Thuja plicata (western red cedar).
Hawthorn (Crataegus) trees are ideal for smaller gardens, and are especially useful if you would like to encourage wildlife. They flower and fruit reliably, with decorative haws (fruits) persisting into winter. Some like C. persimilis Prunifolia and C.× lavalleei Carrierei have good autumn colour. Trees usually range from 5m-10m (16ft-33ft), while smaller slower growing dwarf selections like C.laevigata Gireoudii (up to height 4m/13ft) are suitable as large border shrubs. 
RHS guide to selecting hawthorn trees
RHS guide to selecting hawthorn trees
Hedges Hawthorn hedging is usually sold as
These have been lifted from the ground while dormant, with little or no soil around their roots. Various plants may be available bare root, including fruit trees, hedging plants and some perennials. They are generally cheaper than plants in containers, but are only available in winter/early spring, while dormant
bare-root plants in winter when the plant is dormant. They come in bundles of rooted hardwood cuttings, which can be mail ordered or purchased from nurseries and garden centres. Container-grown plants are sometimes available during the
The period of time when an individual plant is in active growth. This will depend on the local climate and light levels, and can vary between different plants, although it is broadly from spring to autumn.
growing season (March-September), but are likely to be more expensive than bare-root plants. Trees Hawthorn trees can be bought bare-root, or as container-grown specimen trees. Specialist tree and shrub nurseries stock the best range. Once youve decided on the tree youd like, track it down using our Find a Plant tool. PlantingBare-root plants should be planted soon after purchase, so that the roots dont dry out. If its not possible to plant them within a few days, find a place in your garden to temporarily plant the bundles (healing in), or surround the roots with moist compost in a container.
When to plant hawthornBare-root hedging plants can be planted during winter. Anytime between October and February is fine, but avoid periods when the soil is waterlogged or frozen. Container-grown hawthorn trees for specimen planting can be planted any time of year, but you will find them easier to keep watered if you plant in winter or spring. They are also sometimes available from nurseries as bareroot plants in winter.
Hawthorn is a hardy plant and will grow on a range of soils, in full sun or part-shade. They are very tough, tolerating exposed positions and wet soils. Ground that is frequently waterlogged should be avoided though, as these conditions are likely to rot the roots. When planting a tree, make sure there is enough space around the tree for it to reach its ultimate dimensions (check label or the RHS website for these).
How to Grow a Hawthorn from Seed
FAQ
How long does it take to grow hawthorn from seed?
Place the seed/sand mixture on top of this and cover this with 2-3cm sand. Label the pot and stand in a shady spot outdoors. The pot needs to remain outside for eighteen months. This is where patience is required!
Is hawthorn hard to grow?
Hawthorn is a hardy plant and will grow on a range of soils, in full sun or part-shade. They are very tough, tolerating exposed positions and wet soils.
Do hawthorn seeds need stratification?
Hawthorn seeds require periods of heat and cold stratification. With the right combination of these processes, you can hurry along the germination process by breaking the seeds grip on dormancy.
Can hawthorn be grown indoors?
Indoors-potted:Growing midland hawthorn indoors requires a spacious pot and regular pruning to manage its growth and encourage air circulation.
How do you propagate Hawthorns?
Place the cuttings in a bright location at 15 to 20 °C and keep them moist over the next few weeks. Hawthorns are easiest to propagate by layering in autumn. To do this, place a shoot without leaves into the ground, leaving it attached to the mother plant – do not cut it off!
How do you grow a hawthorn tree?
Hawthorn grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Early spring or early fall is a good time to plant nursery-grown trees. After planting, water them well and cover the soil around the tree with a thick layer of mulch to prevent weeds from growing. Harvest the fruit at the end of the growing season and store it in a cool, dry place.
Can you grow Hawthorn plants from seeds?
Growing hawthorn plants from seeds can be a rewarding experience. By properly storing, sowing, and germinating hawthorn seeds, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of these plants in your own garden. Remember to follow the steps outlined in this guide and be patient, as hawthorn seeds can take several weeks to germinate.