How to Grow Pine Trees From Pine Cones
Collecting pine cones is the first step in growing a new pine tree from seed. No, the actual pine cone is not the seed, but the seed container. When you pick up a pine cone, it is actually the female cone of the pine tree. The male cones are very small and only last for a couple of weeks on the tree. They release pollen that falls between the wooden petals of the female cone, which in turn produces seeds.
Find some 2-year-old pine cones that have recently fallen to the ground. Pine cones don't reach maturity until after two years, since the first year is spent developing the seed within the cone. Look between the bracts to make sure that there are a few seeds visible in your cones. They can be identified by their thin wings, or you can break open the cone.
- Collecting pine cones is the first step in growing a new pine tree from seed.
- Pine cones don't reach maturity until after two years, since the first year is spent developing the seed within the cone.
Dry the seeds by placing them in a paper bag in a dry storage area, where they won't be bothered by pests, until winter arrives. You can throw the whole pine cone in the bag if you want to wait until the seeds are ready to fall out.
Place the whole seeds in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag. You will want to mimic the climate of your area or at least the area where you picked the pine cone. If you have cold winters that last for three months, place your seeds in the refrigerator for that length of time
Remove the seeds from the refrigerator after winter has passed and plant them in the same soil as their parent tree grew in. If you did not collect any of the original soil, you can use potting soil that is high in peat moss. Bury the seed about 1 inch deep and water well.
- Dry the seeds by placing them in a paper bag in a dry storage area, where they won't be bothered by pests, until winter arrives.
- If you have cold winters that last for three months, place your seeds in the refrigerator for that length of time Remove the seeds from the refrigerator after winter has passed and plant them in the same soil as their parent tree grew in.
Place the planted pine seeds in a sunny window and watch for signs of growth. They should sprout within five to 30 days if they were viable seeds. Keep the soil moist and warm.
Transplant the seedling outside when all danger of frost has passed and protect from hungry wildlife for the first couple of years.
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Writer Bio
Maryland resident Heide Braley is a professional writer who contributes to a variety of websites. She has focused more than 10 years of research on botanical and garden articles and was awarded a membership to the Society of Professional Journalists. Braley has studied at Pennsylvania State University and Villanova University.
