3. Plant seeds…
If you want to plant your bush from seeds, patience is key! You’ll want to plant them in moist soil and leave them indoors for around 12 weeks. Don’t expect to see much growth during that time. A unique protective layer can keep the seeds from sprouting for months.
4. …or plant directly in soil!
If you don’t want to while away months waiting for your holly seeds to burst out of the soil, you can buy a ready-to-plant bush at a garden center. If you want those trademark berries, pick up both male and female plants. Usually they’re not labeled either way, so the best way to be sure is to purchase at least one plant with berries, as females almost exclusively produce them.When you’re ready to plant, dig a hole 2-3 times as wide and at least as deep as the plant’s root ball. Carefully place your plant inside, then cover the hole halfway with soil. Next, water the plant and allow it to settle and drain in the soil. Then add another lay of soil and finish up by watering once more. Make sure to put around 5-25 feet of distance between plants.
5. Be patient!
Your holly bush will take its time before showing off its full range of foliage and color. On average these plants grow about 6 inches or less per year. Holly is fairly low-maintenance. Put down down a layer of compost and mulch each spring, and prune to encourage berry growth.
SKM: below-content placeholderWhizzco for CRH