Posted by Kevin on November 17, 2003

Q: I just came back from Spokane Wahington,I picked up a few pine cones from a tree there,Later I found seeds,There small and black.The pine cones are large and brown,With a thorn like stricker in them.The tree that they came from had to be 75 feet,I am not sure what I have,But have to reprduce a plant from the seeds.the tree was at the grave of Aposlte John G Lake.

How can I plant these seeds to be sure to get a plant.I onlyhave four seeds. Later I will turn this in to a bonsai for my self

Can you help

Thanks Kevin

A: Although the seeds you have are probably mature, they will need to be cold for a couple of months to prepare them for germination. You can place the seeds in moist (not wet) sand in a baggy in the refrigerator or out in an unheated garage (that's if you live in the north and get low 40'sF and below temp). In the spring, you can plant the seeds in a shallow container and keep them moist but again, not wet. They should germinate under those conditions but keep in mind that ALL seeds do not sprout, you may lose a few. Starting a bonsai from seed is a great way to see the entire process and you'll have a special relation with "your" tree over the years.

John Wiessinger ( November 18, 2003)