Maclura pomifera
A tree with many names: Hedge Apple, Monkey Brain, Mock Orange. Whichever one you use, this tree is a unique and not like any orange you'll see in the grocery store. The fruits of this tall 20-40ft tree aren't actually edible but they sure are fun to look at, making this an interesting ornamental. They are green, bumpy-skinned, and grow up to 4-6” around. Osage Orange trees were commonly used as fencing due to their thick thorns and natural fungicide which deters insects. Squirrels love the fruit, and many birds utilize the tree for nesting.
Type: Perennial/TreeSun: Full
Planting Depth: 1”
Spacing: 20-30'
Water: Moderate
Days to Maturity/Bloom: 2-3 years
Height: 20-40'
Zones: 5-9
Planting Instructions
Approx seeds per order 30
Cold-Stratification is necessary to prompt germination. Cold-stratification imitates overwintering in cold grounds, but allows more control and increases success rates as opposed to simply placing the seed in the ground.
Place the seeds in a jar or container and soak them in hot (but not boiling) water for 12-24 hours. Do not soak them longer than this or the seeds will drown. After the seeds are soaked, drain the water and place them in a plastic bag with equal parts peat moss and sand. The peat and sand should be dampened but not soaked. Do not close the bag tightly, leave a small gap for air-flow. Put the bag in the refrigerator for at least 60 days. Check the bag every few days to ensure the medium is still moist. Re-moisten as necessary.
Once the seeds produce sprouts, plant them in pots using rich potting soil. Place them root-side down. Keep the soil moist without being soggy. Put the pots in a sunny warm location until they are big enough to be transplanted.
As the seedling grows, move it to a larger container. It will be at least a year before it can be transplanted. Trees need to be 4-6 feet tall before transplanting outdoors. It will be 4-6 years before it produces fruit.