Mountain pine, scrub mountain pine, mugo pine
The mountain pine (Pinus mugo) is a shrub or tree that is native to many European countries and is often planted as an ornamental plant in parks and gardens. Small and flat-growing varieties and forms are usually used. They are also suitable for growing in containers on balconies.
Growing mountain pine from seed
In order for the mountain pine seeds to germinate, they require cold treatment, i.e. they must be stratified. This is not unusual for plants whose seeds only mature late in the year. Their seedlings could freeze if they were to germinate in the fall.
Before sowing, the seeds can be soaked for about 24 hours.
The sowing depth may be approximately one centimeter.
No special substrate is required for sowing. I have used peat-free herb soil, mixtures for houseplants or container plants are also suitable.
Seeds can be sown in the fall, directly in the garden or in pots on the balcony. However, the seeds will not germinate until the following spring. The seed pots must also be protected from permafrost, as even frozen soil dries out.
They can be sown indoors all year round. I sowed the seeds in November and then kept the jars with the lids closed in the vegetable drawer of the fridge until mid-January.
I use jars not only for reasons of hygiene, but also so that I can quickly see which seeds have sprouted.
The soil should only be slightly moist, but not dripping wet. Wet soil will also go moldy in the fridge.
After stratification, at temperatures around 77 °F (25 °C), it took a week for the first seeds to germinate. However, they also germinate reliably at “only” 62 to 70 °F (17 to 21 °C).
The place for growing the young mountain pines should be bright but protected from the hot summer sun.
Categories: Nuts & Seeds | Shrubs & Trees |
