How to Grow Edible Pine Nuts

Edible pine nuts come from the species of coniferous tree (a genus called pinus). There are approximately 115 types pine trees. They are known to grow in all climates and once established, require little maintenance and have no known pests. Their edible seeds come from the cones and start to produce anywhere from eight years on and will continue to produce for their lifespan--which can easily surpass 150 years. Find out how you can grow this tasty, highly nutritious and pricey commodity on your own.

Things You'll Need

• Starter Pine tree that produces edible pine nuts (Swiss stone pine and Korean pine to name a couple--find the ones that meet your climate zone requirements)
• Fertilizer (it is recommended to get a type that promotes mycorrhizal colonization,which allows the Pine tree's root system to aborb sugars and amino acids from the soil)
• Shovel

Instructions

1. Go to a nursery or on-line to purchase your starter pine tree(s).
   There are hundreds of varieties and it is very easy to find a family of pine tree that will thrive in your climate and soil. Ask the farmers at the nursery or wherever you buy your starter to give you recommendations on a pine tree that will be the easiest to establish and grow healthy in your locale.

2. Dig the hole before the tree arrives. Make a plan and figure out where the best place for a tree (depending on the variety--it could grow up to 150 feet--so research your particular kind). Then dig a hole that is 1 foot down and I foot across in diameter. Ideally, edible nut pine trees should be planted in well-draining soil.

3. Plant the tree as soon as it arrives. This is so the root ball does not dry out. Thoroughly mix the fertilizer with the soil taken when the hole was dug (a ratio of 25 percent fertilizer to 75 percent soil) and then put a handful of just the fertilizer at the bottom of the hole in the ground. Place the tree starter in the hole and fill up with the soil/fertilizer mix. Place some of the fertilizer around the tree. Water well.

4. Control the weeds around the new tree. It is not recommended to use a herbicide as it will defeat the purpose of the the fertilizer, which promotes mycorrhizal colonization in the tree root. However, mulch is suggested. Water the tree generously at first, keeping the soil moist. When the tree gets established, it will require less water. As the tree matures, it needs less and less maintenance.

5. 

   Wait for your pine tree to mature for about eight years. Then have a party. You will have a plethora of edible pine nuts!

Tips & Warnings

• Clearing lower branches of your pine tree encourages production of the nuts and makes the harvesting easier. A healthy tree has new growth of about 3 inches or more a year.

• Protection from rodents should be provided for the first two to four years. You may do this by providing a physical barrier to the tree with wire fencing to insure the tree's early years survival.

Resources

• An online place to buy starters and seeds of edible pine nut trees
• A site that teaches about the harvesting of already established Pinon trees, mostly in the American Southwest region
• Nutrition information and recipes for the pine nut
• Links to pine nut sites--from harvesting, to growing, to buying seeds and nuts