Best to give them a couple of months in damp (not wet!) sand at +1 or +2°C, then sow in early spring.

Don't be surprised if the germination percentage is fairly low, particularly if it was from a planted tree well away from other specimens.

Resin

Thanks. Is there a special sterilized, seed-germinating sand to buy at the nurseries?? I tried to stratify Larix and Picea seeds last year. But after a couple of months in the fridge they began to mold, and I had to throw the whole batch out.

-Sam

Plant in pots of suitable mix (bark and sand may be adequate) and set outside, under plastic or otherwise where there will be some protection but it still gets cold enough for dormancy to be overcome - and weeds and rodents can be controlled or excluded.

"Is there a special sterilized, seed-germinating sand to buy at the nurseries??"

Nope, just ordinary sand - make it wet, put it in the oven till it boils, allow it to cool off and drain until it is just moist. If there's any risk of salt contamination (e.g. beach sand), rinse a few times with plenty of water and drain.

Resin

Great information guys! My husband just brought back a couple cones from his last trip in the mountains. Hopefully the germination rate will be decent since it was from a large stand of Nobles.

It will be interesting to try anyway :-)

Jst want to mention, the Abies concolor seeds that I cleaned and planted recently did not appear to be in very good condition. Although many were quite plump and well filled out, many of these also had a crack running down the side of the seed coat, and upon examining the contents, the seeds appeared to be dried out and lifeless. So.......not sure what to think. There is another of same species nearby, and I have seen seedlings just beginning growth under the tree in question, so I believe some pollination is happening. Maybe just not enough?

+oM