Pine seeds: how to grow pine
Seeds for growing can be bought either in the store or simply by collecting cones. The process of collecting cones can take some time, but many summer residents advise choosing it. Since you can choose the necessary pine seeds for planting yourself.
If you decide to grow pine from seeds using cones, then visit the nearest forest where these trees grow. Choose the tree that you like the most. After that, you need to wait until the cones fall off. Then, pick a pine cone and bring it home.
You can buy pine seeds or get them from cones
After bringing the buds home, shake them. If the seeds have not fallen out of the cone, then it has not yet ripened. To do this, place it on a radiator or oven to dry it.
You should not dry the buds in the oven, as you may not calculate the temperature and overdo it.
After drying, remove the seeds from the bud. Then you need to figure out which seeds are suitable for growing. Prepare several cups of water and dip the seeds, one at a time, into the water. Those that sink to the bottom faster than others are suitable for growing. Those that have not sunk to the bottom are not recommended to be planted, as they will not germinate.
After taking the seeds, leave them in warm water for a day. You can also use wet gauze. This is done in order for the seeds to hatch.
The process of growing pine from seed
Sandy soil is best suited for planting. Therefore, if the soil in your area is heavy enough, then dilute it with sand.
Then you need to germinate the seeds. After you have held them in water or gauze and they hatch, you need to plant the seeds in boxes, mixing them with sand. Seeds should be stored at a low temperature. The optimum soil temperature for germination in pots or boxes should be around 20-24 degrees.
Seed germination requires light, which can be provided with natural light or lamps.
You also need to fertilize. The best choice is mineral complexes. During the period of active growth of pine, it is recommended to make them 1-2 times a month.
Watering should be moderate, excessive watering can lead to rotting of seedlings.
Planting in the ground should be done in the spring, when the seedlings get stronger. Some summer residents recommend planting seedlings only when they become about a meter in height. But some also plant small seedlings in the ground and wait until they grow to the desired size in order to transplant them to a permanent place. When planting in a permanent location, keep in mind that the plant needs ample space. Therefore, do not place the seedlings too close to each other.
The average growth of a seedling is about 10 centimeters per month
Growing a pine tree in a summer cottage is a troublesome process. Before planting, think about whether you can pay enough attention to it, as well as follow the rules of growing, planting and caring. But if you decide to devote enough time and attention to this, the pine tree will delight you for many years with its green needles.