Hello All,

I am looking for a method to scarify lots of Kentucky coffee tree seeds that is fast and successful. Right now I have been crushing them in a vise until you can hear the shell crack as by the recommendation of one site I found, but I feel as if this may be damaging the seed. I also could use a belt sander. Since I have so many seeds I am going to plant some seeds treated both ways and see how they fair, but I would like to treat most of the seeds in a way that has been proven successful.

Many Thanks,

Werner J Stiegler

In case you were wonderfing why I would be planting lots and lots of Kentucky Coffee Tree Seeds:

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Memorial Tree Program

What we do: Each year early in the spring semester seeds of various tree varieties are planted into 1 gallon milk containers. These containers are placed outdoors to allow springs freezes and thaws to aid the seeds in the task of reducing germination inhibitors on their coat, and in softening this coat to allow the seed to break through. The exposure to outdoor conditions and microbes in the soil also selects for the stronger more sustainable plants. The plants that survive to outgrow the containers are then propagated in pots for two seasons until they are a foot or more in height and are large enough to be easily handled and likely to survive transplanting. The juvenile trees are then planted in the community where other trees have died of disease, age, damage etc, in parks and road sides where they can be used for beautifying the Binghamton community, on campus where they are wanted, and in reforestation projects. For each tree planted, it can be requested that the tree be commemorated in a persons name or memory with a suggested donation of $5 to the Binghamton Bioengineers. If we have more trees than we are able to find places to plant them, they will be sold to the community at $1 per tree with all proceeds benefiting the group.

How you can help:

 Save clean empty 1 & ½ gallon milk containers

 Collect Acorns, fruit and nut seeds, and any other native or ornamental tree seeds.

 Provide us with information pertaining to any sources of well aged compost for potting.

 Keep an eye out for pots that neighbors may be putting out to the trash, or for greenhouses and garden centers that may be willing to contribute 1 gallon plastic pots to this project.

 Provide your time to help plant seeds or trees

 Provide us with information pertaining to places whether they be parks, areas on campus etc. that would be interested in adopting any of our trees, and the contact information to obtain permission for such plantings.

 Get involved: the student body is constantly changing and since each tree takes two seasons to reach planting size, we will need people to keep the project going, and places where we can raise our containers and young plants.

If you have any items to contribute, you can bring them to BBE meetings, drop them off at The Innovative Technologies Complex on the SUNY main campus, or you can arrange to have them picked up. For questions, to get involved, or to arrange to have items picked up, contact:

Werner Stiegler at wstiegl1@binghamton.edu or call 845-264-9371.

Well cleaned milk containers only please.

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