when to collect black pine seeds

[badabing888]

Hi All,

I've got a larger black pine i'm going to use for seed collection.
It's got some smallish / green cones what is the best time for collection or when does one know its time to collect!

thanks!!!!

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[shibui]

JBP take 18 months for the cones to ripen fully. They tend to mature and open end of Summer through Autumn, depending on location and weather.
If you have cones on the tree this time of year it means they are from last Spring and will be ripe late Summer - Early Autumn. The brand new cones are currently growing on the tips of the Spring candles.
I wait until the first cone starts to open to ensure the seeds are as ripe as possible. Just be aware that cones will often open fully in just a day or 2. The best seeds seem to drop as soon as the scales open so really need to keep checking every day from late Summer. To save losing seeds I pick all the cones when the first one shows signs of opening up. Another sign of approaching maturity is the cone will start to turn from green to brown.

Recently saw someone say it's fine to pick from mid summer, even while the cones are still quite green. He says the cones still open when they dry out and seeds are still viable well before the cones are fully ripe.

[Ryceman3]

I wait for the cones to start turning a purple colour, usually around late April?
Definitely try and collect before they open and drop anything. I put them in a paper bag so when they do open from that point the seed is caught in the bottom.
That may or may not be the best way… no idea, that’s just what I do.

[badabing888]

Thanks all, seems like the over all thing is Keep and eye on it from late summer until autumn and soon as they look drying ready to open them pick them OR pick the others once one has opened.

Any one have a blog on their process going from cone to planting?

I know in some cases they need to be frozen for x weeks etc etc

[terryb]

Everything you need to know is right here viewtopic.php?t=25843

[shibui]

Most of the seed sites will say to stratify JBP seed (cold period) but that seems to be just a generic thing for all seeds. I've tested JBP and there's little to no difference in germination between stratified seed and not stratified. Stratifying in the fridge has a number of possible problems so not worth while unless the species really does need cold to germinate.
Mostly I sow JBP seed in trays in late autumn/Winter and leave it outside for Winter. When the weather starts to warm up in Spring the seeds start to pop up. I've also sowed JBP late Spring, well after frost and still had good germination.
Starting seed inside or in a warm area may get the seedlings up a bit earlier but can also have other problems. By the end of the season there's little difference between early and late germinated seed.

[Ryceman3]

For me I find stratification means the seeds germinate at pretty much the same time. Not really a big deal unless you are considering the stem cut technique. It’s been a while though!