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christmas tree growing
Linda Kidd
Posts: 3
in Talkback
I would like to germinate seeds collected from several different species of Christmas tree. I have tried heating then freezing ,also just sewing without treatment. Any help with this challenge appreciated .
0
Posts
I sow all hardy tree seeds, fresh, in gritty compost and leave them outside till they germinate.
In the sticks near Peterborough
I do it like nut. Some tree seeds can take several years to germinate. Sometimes they need 2 or more warm/cold cycles of several months each and there may be growth inhibitor in the seed casing which the rain will eventually wash out if the pots are left outside. Basically, patience is the key (like lots of other things when it comes to gardening!)
You soak them for 24 hours then place them in a zip bag with damp soil and leave in the fridge for 6 weeks. You can then germinate them. Alternatively stick the seeds in a pot and leave out all winter.
Thanks for all the responses I'll have another try and be more patient.
Trees and shrubs take a lot longer to germinate than annuals and most perennials
You have to redefine 'a long time' when you start growing woody plants from seed.
Heat is the one thing you won't need unless you're trying tropical trees.
Good luck
In the sticks near Peterborough
Soaking the seeds in a fertiliser does help germination. I use Nitrozyme and it does increase germination and produce strong seedlings after placing in the fridge for 6 weeks or so. If you think about it birds are supposed to eat them, poop them out and they are sitting in poop fertiliser in the cold and damp for months.
I wouldn't...see what happened to me!