JBP, JWP, JRP seed germination

NJF

What with all the talk about JBP's on here lately I've ordered some seeds. I should get them in a day or so. I have ordered Japanese black, white and red pines. Instructions should come with them.

Now being the impatient type and having missed the natural seasonal stratification period. What are my chances of germination success if I just sew them, given that spring is here/nearly here. (Can't tell these days the seasons kind of roll into each other in the UK. There's no clear definition any more)(even the plants get confused. Case in point I have a Rodadendron in flower at the same time as narcissi.)

On the other hand; is it too late to artificially stratify in the fridge/freezer and sew in summer. I could probably be patient enough to do that.

Yes I know I could go out and buy some ready done trees, but it comes down to £££££$$$$$$.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

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Vance Wood

The Black and Red Pines will probably germinate well enough without the stratification but the White Pine definately needs to go through a stratification process or you may only get a 10% yield if you are lucky.

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Fletch

Well, if you're not the patient type I would highly recommend you just take the seed and throw it out the window. Trying to grow any of these trees from seed is going to be a very slow and frustrating process.

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Regards
Fletch

Vonsgardens

Fletch may have a good point. The stratification shouldn't be difficult, I put the pine seeds in plastic bags with damp vermiculite and leave them in for up to 4 weeks or so, then sow in sand or whatever fine soil mix you are using for germination. Be sure to keep some fungicide to help control damping of when the sprout.

John

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NJF

Thanks for the advice guys

Fletch,
"Well, if you're not the patient type I would highly recommend you just take the seed and throw it out the window".

Will they still germinate if I do this?


Joking aside, is it too late in the season to artificially stratify and sew them in the summer I realize it's a long road ahead with creating bonsai this way, but there is something very special about growing a bonsai from seed. Some of my oak are coming on nicely.

Vonsgardens

No, it is not too late. Now is actually a pretty good time for those of us in the northern hemisphere.

John

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NJF

Thanks, thats good to know. I'll get them in the fridge as soon as they arrive.

Now, would you recommend a refrigerator or a freezer?

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