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Re: Pine cones

At 10:22 24/01/97 +0100, you wrote:
>Mildred Brooks wrote:
>> 
>> What species of pine tree(s) produce the jumbo pine cones (some are almost
>> 12" long).  Also, what variety(s) produces the tiny pine cones (they only
>> grow to about 1").  I have a farm full of loblolly, foxtail, etc. but would
>> like to get a few of these trees started just for interesting cones.
>
>
>as long as were on the subject of pines, what is the procedure for
>collecting cones & saving the seed.  dont you have to pick them off the
>ground just after they dropped or will the seed have released by then. 
>me dad explained it to me years ago & Ive forgotten.  & can they be
>direct seeded into nursery beds?
>
>miekal and
>
>

We have a row of pines beside our house & I often gather the cones @
Christmas to use in decorating.  The cones, once fallen, will stay
tight(holding the seed) if they're kept cold. (We live in Southwestern
Ontario & we usually have a light covering of snow by Christmas)  If you
pick them up off the ground within a few weeks of them falling, bring them
in to the house, as they warm they'll open up & drop your seeds right there.
I put the cone in a plastic dish & sit it in front of a heat register, leave
for a few days & a slight tap to the cone will release the seeds right into
your dish.  They can be grown in pots & transplanted out later.  We had an
experience this summer were we got a load of ground up tree brances from a
tree trimmer in the area. I spread this around all my fresh plantings to
protect them from the scourching sun, & within a couple of weeks there were
thousands of pines growing in my beds. They're easy to grow, give it a try.  
To Mildred, I'll send you some of the long cones if you like they are just a
nusiance on my lawn each spring.  Send me your address.
Darcy & Angela
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