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Growing seeds in search for new cultivars

monkeytreeboy15

11 years ago

Last week, we had a lovely autumn day that was perfect for collecting the recently-ripened seeds on various fir trees throughout Albers Vista Gardens.

I collected seed from Abies concolor, Abies pindrow, and three Abies koreana (one species tree along with the cultivars 'Aurea' and 'Horstmann's Silberlocke').

Growing these seeds this coming spring, I hope to possibly find some unique seedlings after they develop for a few years.

If anyone has growing tips for these seeds, I would appreciate your sharing in this adventure! Thanks.

Abies concolor seeds

Abies pindrow seeeds

Abies koreana seeds (lighter colored seeds from 'Aurea'; darker colored seeds from 'Horstmann's Silberlocke'; darkest seeds from species tree)

-Sam

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Comments (5)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
and the beauty of it.. is if you find nothing unique.. you end up with understock ...

so if you get them thru the seedlings stage.. its a no lose proposition ...

do you have access to a greenhouse.. or will this be an 'in the house' attempt.. or do you plan to winter sow them ... give us some parameters.. for a better.. more precise answer ....

whenever i think of starting seed.. i think of starting by sterilizing everything ... to avoid all those pesky soil borne issues ... especially indoors or greenhouse ... 10% bleach on everything .. and sterilize your media .. see link ... after that.. i am sure others with much more direct experience.. will take it from here ...

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: link
jth97381
11 years ago
Next time you collect cones, dont break them apart. The sees will receive nutrition from the cones core. Just cut the cones and leave to dry. Once very very dry, break the cones up and separate out the seed. Store in the refrigerator in air tight bags. 30 days before you plant add water to the bags. Wait 24 hours and poke a few pin holes to drain the water. Let sit in the fridge for 30 days. Then dry down again just until surface dry. Not overly dry or you have to start over. Plant about 1/4" deep and cover lightly with pumice or sawdust. Keep moist, but not water logged. Make sure to provide a little shade the first year.

Good luck
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botann
11 years ago
Sam, I also collected seeds from an Abies koreana, 'Horstmann's Silberlocke' a few days ago. The cones were falling apart so I decided now was a good time.
I'll leave the seeds in a paper bag in the garage for the winter and plant them out in a raised bed in early Spring.
I've done it before with other conifers and had good success.
Mike
monkeytreeboy15
Original Author
11 years ago
The cones were disintegrating already. I collected some seed from the ground and some from the partial cones remaining in the branches of the trees.

Thanks for the tips everyone! I'll keep you posted with their progress!

-Sam
fake_usa
9 years ago
Did you have any success with your seeds?

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