How to grow Pine

Pinus

Pines are such a diverse group of trees that heigh and spread cannot be noted here For example some very slow growing pines can be used in small gardens Pinus mungo ‘Mops’ grows to 1m height 1m spread but Pinus radiata is a tall broad quick growing and spreading tree that exceeds 30m

Staking may be required, depending on how fast growing the pine is and a tree guard to protect from rabbits is essential
The seedling must be watered regularly through the first two summers and some pines need protection from frost, at least to begin with.
Removing the grass and weeds from an area around the stem will encourage growth by reducing competition for water and nutrients

Growing Pine from seed

Some pine cones remain dormant on the tree and do not release the seed until there is a forest fire, others ripen over a season or several seasons and release their seeds with change of weather. In other species the cone degrades and as it falls apart on the tree the seeds are released with the faling woody scales.
If you would like to germinate pine seeds, first have a thought as to where the baby tree can be planted, how large the tree will be in maturity, and how many seedlings you may have to find a place to grow…..
If the seeds have been released, they are ready to plant at once and infact must not dry out further.
Plant into ericaceous compost mixed with vermiculite and keep in cool conditions. Germination is usually within 3 weeks
Pot on individually when large enough to handle, being careful not to damage the root. Use an open ericaceous mix. Grow on in good light and cool conditions.

Soil temperature should be kept higher than 10°C / 50°F to ensure good germination.

Transplanting Pine

Seedlings must be potted on before the tap toot becomes constrained by the pot, using a ‘Long Tom’ style pot gives the roots more room
Seedlings can be planted out in the autumn.
Choose a spot where the tree can reach maturity. At Wakehurst Place in Sussex (Kew Garden’s Pine tree Garden) saplings are planted in threes. This allows for selection of the best specimen, as the trees mature, felling the unlucky ones over a period of years.
Stake trees and use a rabbit guard

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Pine is a hardy plant.

Harvesting Pine

Pines are used commercially as timber and in paper making
Many species yield oleoresin that is used to make turpentine turpentine products and rosin
Barks of larch and hemlock are tanning materials
Pine oil is used medicinally

Seed Saving Pine

Cones must be ripe or the seeds will not germinate.
Ripening may be brought about by smoke from forrest fires, weather conditions, to released as the cone degrades on the tree. Collect the seeds as they are released and pot up at once
Pine seeds do not keep

How long does Pine take to grow?

These estimates for how long Pine takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Pine to germinate?
21 days

Average 21 days | Min days | Max days (0)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Pine?
+ 30 days

Average 30 days | Min days | Max days (0)

Days to Maturity How long until Pine is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ days

Average days | Min days | Max days (0)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Pine?
= days

Pine Folklore & Trivia

The pines are the largest family of conifers and include firs cedars larches and spruces; almost all the ‘needle’ trees

Species of pine grow from arctic regions to the equator, adapted to grow in water restricted environments

The steam from fresh pine needles contains aromatic turpines that help sooth congestion, and pine needle tea has been used for its vitamin containing properties (A and D)

Other names for Pine

Pinus

Pinus L.

Footnotes


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