Korean Birch (Betula Costata) 100 seeds (#497)

It is a tall narrow fully hardy perennial deciduous tree with brown flowers in late Spring. It grows well in semi-shade and direct sun, and prefers medium levels of water. The flowers are arranged in a racemose catkin inflorescence. It has average drought tolerance and no flood tolerance.
This tree has all year round interest.
Betula costata grows in soils ranging from a pH of 5.5 (very acidic ranges from 5.2 to 5.5) to 8 (slightly alkaline ranges from 7.6 to 8). It is adapted to clay, clay loam, loam, loamy sand, sandy clay, sandy clay loam, sandy loam, silt loam and silty clay loam soils.
This is a erect tree has a moderate rate of growth has an ultimate height of 20m / 65.6ft and spread of 7m / 23ft. It can take 16-20 years to reach its ultimate height.
The leaves are green in Spring and Summer and yellow in Autumn. They are cordate in shape.
Uses: architectural, low maintenance and specimen/accent plant.
Bark: white and brown bark with a papery texture.

Genus - Betula
Species - Costata
Common name - Korean Birch
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 4 - 8
Height - 20 m
Spread - 7 m
Plant type - Tree
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Slow
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Clay, Loam, Sand, Well Drained
Water requirements - Average Water
Landscape uses - Decorative
Bloom season - Spring
Leaf / Flower color - Mid Green / Brown

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
Seeds have an internal dormancy that can be overcome by a moist, chilling period. This treatment is called stratification. Here are the steps to stratify the seeds:
1. Soak the seeds in water overnight
2. Place the seeds in a moist material such as milled sphagnum peat, sterile soil or vermiculite . Fully drain away all of the water and place the seeds in a zip-lock bag.
3. Refrigerate the seeds for 2-3 months at 33 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit (+2 – +4C).
4. After the seeds are stratified, surface sow in a container filled with a moist, well-drained germination medium. Cover with glass or plastic and keep the container moist, but not soggy. Keep in room temperature, dark place.
As soon as the seeds germinate, place them under bright lights or move them to a greenhouse or cold frame.
You can sow seeds outdoors in well prepared beds in October or before the winter. Nature will do the job and will germinate in spring.
When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter.