How to Plant Pinecones

Start with cones like the one on the left, on which the scales are closed.

Technically you do not plant pinecones to grow a pine tree. The seeds are contained in the large scales that comprise the cone. You need to remove these and satisfy their dormancy requirements before they are ready to be planted and germinate. Seeds are only in the female cones, which are much smaller than the males. Seeds are naturally distributed when the cones open, which is around fall. In order to get your seed, you will have to get out and harvest cones that are not quite open. The seeds will only take about 30 days to germinate.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder
• Garden snips
• Burlap bag
• Tray
• Bowl
• Tiller
• Rake
• Sand
• Pine straw
• Plastic bag
• Refrigerator

Instructions

1. Collect seed cones in early fall. Look for the ones with closed scales. Those that have already opened will have lost their seed. The best cones will be from the top of the tree, which means you will need a ladder. Try to have someone with you for safety when you climb the ladder. Collect the cones in a burlap bag that breathes.

2. Bring the cones indoors so wind doesn't blow away your seed. Spread the cones out on a tray for three to seven days or until they open. Heat exposure helps the cones open, so put the tray in a warm area of the home. After they open, shake the cones over a bowl to collect the seed. Discard the cones and pour the seed onto the tray. Rub the seed between your hands to remove the papery wings on the exterior.

3. Fill the bowl with water and pour the seeds into it. Discard any that float. This means they are empty and therefore not viable. Drain the water and spread the seed out to dry for a day.

4. Prepare a garden bed in fall by tilling the soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches. Rake the bed to remove any debris. If planting in fall, you need to do nothing to the seed. It requires a period of cold exposure to release it from dormancy. Fall planted seed will experience this naturally.

5. Prepare seed that will be planted in spring by chilling it in the refrigerator. This gives it the stratification or chilling process it requires. Mix the seed in bags with sand and store in the refrigerator or somewhere 33 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 60 days.

6. Plant the pine seeds in rows 6 inches apart, with 1/2 inch between seeds. Pine seedlings need plenty of water. Press the seed into the soil and cover over with pine straw. It can take up to 30 days for all the seeds to germinate.

7. Water enough to keep the upper 8 inches damp. A general rule is to give 1 inch of water per week, but the real amount may vary if temperatures are excessively warm or if there are heavy rains. Keep weeds out of the bed and be vigilant towards pests.

References

• Mississippi State University Extension Service; Forest Nurseries; Jason Gordon
• Gardening Know How; How to Plant a Pine Tree from Seed; Nikki Phipps