Pinus pinea

Germination

Sow indoors at any time. Sow into a cold frame in autumn. Prior to sowing soak seed for 24 hours. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost just cover with a sprinkling of soil. In a cold frame allow natural winter cold to offer ideal conditions for germination to occur in the spring as the weather warms. Indoors, sow seed then cold stratify. Move to -4-+4°C, a fridge is ideal, for 8 weeks. Some seeds may germinate during this time if so remove to warmth, otherwise remove after 8 weeks to warmth for germination. Indoors germination should take a few weeks from this point. Grow on in the pot. Move to final growing site when 3 years old.

Growing

Prefers any well-drained soil in full sun. Young plants are prone to mice attack, protect accordingly. Young tree roots require frost protection while in the pot. Once established requires little attention.

Cultivation

Pruning is not required. Very easy to care for. Propagate by seed after the cones have ripened for 3 years.