STONE PINE from seed. In UK.

Hello all,
I recently got a cone from a Stone Pine and it has quite a few seeds in it. I would quite like to germinate them although I believe that Stone Pine grown in the UK do not set seed reliably.
Anyhow, I'd like to have a go but do I shell them first or leave them in their cases? Also, is now about the right time to sow them or would it be better to pop them in the freezer until spring?

Here's a pic of some of the seeds.


Cheers,
Ian.

I grew many from seed 15 years ago. Collected in Italy, sown in spring with no pretreatment (just leave them as they are) and germinated strongly. A challenging species to style well but very robust and forgiving. Worth the effort, I'd say.

Kev Bailey wrote:I grew many from seed 15 years ago. Collected in Italy, sown in spring with no pretreatment (just leave them as they are) and germinated strongly. A challenging species to style well but very robust and forgiving. Worth the effort, I'd say.

Thanks, That's good to know. The worrying thing about what you said though is that yours came from Italy where the temperature is higher and presumably they are grown for their seeds to make pesto. I have read that seed from UK Stone Pine is often poor but I won't know if I don't try so I'll give it a go!

Cheers,
Ian.

I wouldn't put the seeds in the freezer. The fridge should work fine.

They do not require pre-treatment! ie no stratification in a fridge or freezer.

Thanks to you both for the replies.
If I had known that I may have sown them this year. I have had them for a few months now.
I'll pop them in the fridge until spring, that way I'll remember where they are!

Cheers,
Ian.