Southwest China plants cherry blossom seeds from space

(ECNS) -- Space seeds of winter cherry blossoms were sown in Huaning County of southwest China's Yunnan Province, marking a key step forward in space-based breeding efforts.

Wang Yunfu, chairman of Yunnan Wanjiahong Horticulture Co., Ltd., said the space seeds are expected to sprout in about half a month. When the seedlings grow to about one meter tall, they can be transplanted, while blossoms are expected in approximately three years.

According to Wang, in the next key phase, researchers would carry out full-cycle tracking, stability observation, and rigorous evaluations to cultivate new cherry blossom varieties with superior traits in flower color, bloom, and stress resistance.

On Sept. 27, 2024, China's first retrievable and reusable satellite, the Shijian-19, was launched into space. On Oct. 11, the satellite's return capsule successfully landed in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Among the items brought back to Earth were 220 grams (1,800 seeds) of carefully selected Yunnan winter cherry blossom seeds. On April 11, 2025, the batch of space seeds was handed over in Huaning County, Yunnan Province.

(By Gong Weiwei)