I would like to know how to propogate a Himalayan Pine tree? I have a 5 year old tree and it is just beautiful. It's producing some cones and I wasn't sure how to start a new tree.
First thing to check is if what you have is seed cones (female), or pollen cones (male). Can you post a photo? If they are seed cones, harvest the cones when they are mature (about 18 months after pollination), let them open out so the seeds fall out, store the seeds chilled (+1°C) and slightly moist over winter, and sow in spring. If there are any Western White Pines in the area, your tree will likely have been pollinated by them, and the seedlings will come up hybrids.
Thank you for your quick response. I regret that I cannot post a pic of the pine cone from our Himalayan, however I think it is female (after looking at female/male cones on the internet) I've been able to get about 12 seeds and will give it a try. We found the tree at a small farm in the Cowichan Vally and purchased it for $18.00. It has now grown into a gorgeous tree and many of our friends would like one. The only trees I could find were at a garden center and were $659.00 each (same size as the one I purches for $18.00). So hopefully I have success with the seeds. Thank you.
Looks like you did well there ;-) Those nursery ones are grossly overpriced, though. Don't get too hopeful about the seeds though, as young trees producing cones for the first time often don't have viable seeds in the cones, only hollow ones. Something to do with immaturity.
Arboretum de Villardebelle has a series of pictures showing stratification of pine trees that has been working fairly well for me. www.pinetum.org Good luck. Carl
