Pine Parenthood
Posted by shawn lentz on April 13, 2006
Q: My previous question should have read, "How long are sugar pine SEEDS viable for in areas of low fire return intervals!?
Thanks!
A: Based on my research, it doesn't look like the Sugar Pine (Pinus lambertiana) requires heat (fire) to open its cones. My information says the cones are fully grown by August and open to release their seeds in October. So I would assume that the seeds are not viable for very long. If you already have some, sure won't hurt to try getting them to germinate but to be sure of good germination, I'd try to get seed in the fall. Be sure that you stratify the seeds over the winter before planting. Hope this helps.
John Wiessinger ( April 14, 2006)
Filed under: Plants