Propagating Cedrus

[missybonsai]

i've managed to secure some seeds which fell out of the cone naturally while being stored in a paper bag. i dont know the exact species of cedrus, since i wasnt the one to pick the cone up in the first place. i saw a topic about propagating these a while ago, but now i can't find it... i remember that you have to store these in a cold (0-1 degrees) moist place. if theres someone who has had success with growing cedars from seed, i would appreciate knowing exactly how you did it thanks

[alpineart]

Hi Missybonsai cedars are a little difficult from my experience .They need chilling or stratification to mimic the winter chill .The most reliable method , but not guaranteed is to plant them out in the ground preferably a shaded area .

Without specialist knowledge and technique , i have neither ;1 in 1000-10,000 may strike . If you know where the tree is located take a close look around any shaded area or amongst other foliage for a self sown seedling or two . I planted 1000 cedrus lebiana last year none struck however i have collected 5 from the tree in question and a further 4 have been located again under cover and in the shade .Hope this helps Cheers Alpine

[MattA]

Hi Missy,

I grew a batch of seedlings many years ago & had a good rate of success. I put the seed in some spagnum moss & stuck them in the chiller of my fridge for about 2mths. Then soaked in water for a couple of hours. Culled out the floating seed & planted. About 75% of the seed grew, tho i had culled over half of the seed out before planting.

I have just collected 5 cones off a cedrus atlantica this morning, seed sorted & already in the fridge. Think i might go back out & get some more... can never have too many trees.

Matt

[ceb]

First drying out a temperature of 46 to 60 degrees then the cones should open up
Extraction seed should be removed after drying either shaken or raking
Dewining confier seed have wings ceder wing can be removed if done gentle with rubbing with wet hands
Cleaning using a chaff bag to remove any other fibres
then leave out uniitl spring with the soil heats up then plant them
Black dog

[missybonsai]

thanks guys,, a bit of controversy tho... ill still give it a try in spring
thanks again

[MattA]

Black Dog, interesting you dont stratify your seed, I am guessing it gets cold enough where you are. The method i metioned earlier is what i had read at the time i had the last batch of seed. I am following my same process with this batch as winters here are mild. From memory I found this method on a European site, they also dewing the seed.

Cedar cones naturally break apart on the tree when fully ripe. IMO heating the cones to dry & extract the seed should be unnecesary and would probably yield only immature seed and hence reduce germination. Try & collect cones & seed from things when fully mature. If need be you can bag the cones insitu so no seed is lost and collected at a latter date.

Matt

[Bretts]

Found a nice big Alantic Cedar today. Lots of Male cones but no female? Bugger!
My propagation book states that Cedrus does not need stratification but 1-2 months cold stratification unifies germination times. It also states no heating but letting the seeds fall out on their own. With only two months cold stratification if desired I guess there is no rush to get them out of the cone.
Missy already has hers out anyway.