Mugo Pine Seeds

[Daluke]

Hi,

I am curious about mugo pine seeds. I've noticed when collecting acorns that the seeds are either dark black or white.

Are both able to be germinated?

Luke

[KIRKY]

I personally have never seen white ones perhap they are not mature enough yet. I have only ever sown brown seeds
Cheers
Kirky

[shibui]

I assume that your mention of 'acorns' refers to pinecones?

The black pine seeds I have had can be either dark or light in colour. Often there are blank seeds which are mostly lighter in colour. By that I mean the shell looks normal but nothing inside. Try squeezing some between finger and thumb. Black pine seed is thin enough so that the empty ones collapse while full ones won't.
If you have a few to spare you could try breaking a few of each open to see which actually have a seed inside.
Floating the seeds is another way to separate them- full ones should sink while empty ones float but I have found that some of the good ones will also float so that confuses this test a bit.

[Daluke]

Well it seems like the blacker the better with the seeds.

Some have already germinated.

I'm not sure if they will make it through winter.

I planted them in pumice and soil a few weeks back and put a plastic box over them.

Does anyone have any advice?

[shibui]

They will have no problem going through winter, even if they are just tiny seedlings. There is a risk that you may create conditions for fungal infection by covering them. fresh, moving air and sunlight will help keep them healthy.