Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine) seeds

Popular, native Pine tree with a conical form and strong, densely packed branches. The needles are a lovely blue-green colour with a subtle aroma and the bark is an attractive reddish shade.  Makes a lovely tree trained as a Bonsai and is a popular choice for Christmas trees due to its excellent needle retention. 

Hardy Tree
Height: 3m (10 yrs), 25m when mature
Position: Sun or semi-shade & moist, well-drained soil

GROWING GUIDE

These seeds have a shallow dormancy and need a period of cold treatment before they will germinate.  This can be done outdoors over winter or indoors at any time of year.

• Mix compost 50:50 with vermiculite or perlite, then water until just moist.
• Sow seeds thinly on the surface and cover with a sprinkling of compost, vermiculite or perlite, then seal inside a polythene bag.

Outdoors - October to January

• Place pots in a sheltered spot, coldframe or unheated greenhouse and cover with a clear bag or glass to keep the critters out.
• Check regularly to make sure the compost does not dry out.
• The seedlings will emerge in spring when the weather warms up.

Indoors - Anytime

• Place pots in the fridge for 6 weeks.
• Check regularly to make sure the compost does not dry out.
• After 6 weeks, move to 18-21C on a windowsill or in a propagator.
• Germination can be slow and erratic and may take a few months.
• When the seedlings emerge, increase ventilation by opening the bag or propagator vents.
• When they are large enough to handle, transplant into 7-9cm pots and grow on, repotting as needed.
• Indoor grown seedlings can be moved outside in spring once all risk of frost has passed. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions by placing them outdoors during the day for a week or so.
• When mature enough, plant out in the garden in their final position.