Growing Trees from Pine Cones

A pine tree can't be grown directly from a cone as it is not the seed. However, each scale (the leaf like-structures) on a cone bears seeds on the upper surface. Pine trees can be grown from these seeds that develop thin paper like wings once they mature so that they can be dispersed by wind. It is during the spring time that female cones are pollinated. The female cones are larger than the male cones. Mature cones are brown and woody. The scales are closed as long as the seeds are not mature enough to germinate. Hence, if you are interested in growing trees from pine cones, look for closed cones that lie on the ground around the tree. Although the time when the cone ripens depends on the species of pine, cones of most pine tree species mature by summer or early fall.

Obtaining Seeds

As far as obtaining seeds for growing pine trees from cones is concerned, select the cones that lie on the ground below a tree with lots of other pine trees growing around. This increases the probability that you are collecting more of fertile seeds. Put these cones in a cloth bag. Avoid bags made from plastic as they trap the heat and damage the cones. Put the cones on paper towels, a piece of wax paper or trays and dry them in a sunny spot away from moisture. One needs to dry them for 5 to 7 days until the scales spread exposing the seeds. As you dry the cones, turn them daily so that every part of the cones gets equal amount of sunlight and wind. This would ensure that the cones are dried properly.

Shake or gently tap the cones. If the seeds fall off the cones easily then that means that the seeds are ready to be planted for growing pine trees from cones. Collect the seeds as they are shed from the cone and rub them with your hands to get rid of the wings.

Selecting Seeds

Once the seeds have thus been obtained, the next step of growing pine trees from pine cones is to select those seeds that have the maximum potential of germinating. To get such seeds, submerge them in a container of water. It is best to take a few seeds at a time to increase the chances of getting the best ones. Once you have put the seeds in the container of water, swirl the seeds around. Let the swirled water stand at rest. Once this happens, discard the seeds that have sunk to the bottom. Collect only those that float on the surface. These are the seeds that stand the best chance of germinating.

Planting Seeds

It is best to first develop the seeds into seedlings indoors rather than planting pine cone seeds directly out in the garden. This can be done right in the fall or next spring. If they are not sowed immediately, they should be stored in air tight containers. However, the procedure of storage depends upon the pine tree type. To start the seeds indoors, plant them in well-drained potting soil. Plant seeds vertically with the pointed end facing downward. Ensure that the seeds are at a depth four times their length and that the soil below is deep enough so that the roots can grow properly. Place the pots in a sunny spot and water them regularly. In case you have less seeds, each seed can be placed in individual pots. In case of large number of seeds, space seeds at least 6 inches apart in four feet wide rows. The seeds should germinate in three months time. Once the seedling starts emerging, keep turning the pot or the planters so that the seedling does not lean in the direction of the sunlight. Once the seed coat has fallen off and the seedling has grown between 6 inches to a foot tall, transplant them out in the garden. Once planted outside, ensure that the soil that they grow in is clear of weeds for the first couple of years. Once the plant has grown taller than the weeds that appear around, it can grow by itself.

Growing trees from pine cones is a time-consuming endeavor and requires a lot of patience. But those who love gardening and are ready to put in the effort, the result of having a beautiful pine tree in one's garden can be a very satisfying feeling.