Pine trees are a popular tree that are enjoyed for their foliage, size and great smell.
Did you know that you can grow a pine tree from the pine cones that you find on the ground in the forest?
It might take many years to grow into the size of trees that you see in the wild but growing a pine tree from a pine cone is not difficult at all.
Collect the seeds from the pine cone by shaking the cone upside down, the seeds will drop out from between the scales. You should plant the seeds into well drained containers of compost and place in a sunny spot. It can take a long time for them to grow so keep them well watered while they do their stuff.
Where can I get pine cones from?
Next time you go out for a walk try to choose a forest or wooded area that has conifers and pine trees.
Keep your eyes open for pine cones which you will see scattered across the ground beneath the trees.
Collect a good number of these cones so that you have the best chances of getting some seeds.
What’s the best time to collect pine cones for the seeds?
The ripe pine cones will begin to fall from the trees towards the end of summer and beginning of the fall and this is the best time to collect them.
Like all seeds, pine seeds are best sown into soil when they are fresh as, the longer that they are left the less likely they are to germinate and produce trees.
How to care for the young pine trees
Once the seeds have germinated you can pot them into individual containers of compost and allow them to continue to grow.
Remember that they are outdoor plants so, as soon as they are large enough, you should place the pots outside in a sheltered spot, keeping them well watered.
When they are around 12 inches tall you can go ahead and plant them into the ground.
Other than providing water and shelter from cold winds there is very little that you will need to do to care for your young pine trees.
How long do pine trees take to grow?
It really depends on the species of pine tree that you are growing.
Some pines will grow more quickly than others and, if you have grown your trees from seeds found in the forest then it will be difficult to determine just how long it will be before your tree is mature.
Most pine trees are fully mature after around 25 to 30 years.
Final Words
The pine tree is one of the most recognizable trees in the world.
If you’ve ever seen a Christmas tree, chances are it was a pine.
Growing your own pine cone from seed to fully grown plant can be an amazing experience for kids and adults alike.
It may seem like something that would take years but with careful tending and watering, you could have yourself a healthy little tree in just a few months.
