Starting the germination process on my pine seeds

Reading the instructions on the packages of my seeds, there are a few steps required to get these seeds to sprout. Prepping the seeds requires scarification and stratification. The first being done differently on a seed to seed basis. For pine seeds I simply soak them in water for 24 hours. For other seeds you may need to sand down the outside coating of the shell or cut off a small piece to allow water to get inside. But from what I read, mostly on bonsai forums where many grow pine trees. They say just soaking them in room temperature water is fine.

Many kinds of seeds, different shapes but all pine seeds. I wonder how different they will look, the structure and colors of the needles should have different appearances.

Step 1: Scarification

As I took seeds out of their packaging I labeled the cups they will go in.

With water added, I place them out of the way for a day and come back after they soak for 24 hours.

Some of the seeds have appeared to shed a waxy coating. Must be why soaking them is important. Helps the seeds get started. Don't worry I did not soak them in isopropyl alcohol... just well water. Some people do recommend a tiny bit of hydrogen peroixide to assist in breaking down the shells coating and supplying oxygen to the seeds. But I did not try this way.. just well water, room at temperature.

Step 2: Stratification

Once the seeds have soaked for a day, its time to drain off the water and place them on damp towels.

A second towel that is dry is added to help balance out the moisture trapped in the bags. They are placed in sandwich bags that will go in the fridge.

Keeping them all labeled still, its important to keep track as they all stratify for different periods of time.

Most of the seeds want to be cold stratified for at least 42 days, but some for up to 120 days. Two pines (Pinus Koraiensis) and (Pinus Cembra Sibricia) require warm stratification. So i separated them and placed them by a sunny window in bags. Hopefully that will work for them.. Never done a warm stratification before so that is new to me.

Below is a list of exactly how long I need to stratify:

Pinus Pinea (Italian Stone Pine / Umbrella Pine): None required, but a cold stratification of 6 weeks (42 days) helps germination.

Pinus Koraiensis (Chinese Pinenut / Korean Pine): Warm stratify for 60 days and then cold stratify for 90 days.

Pinus Eldarica (Afghan Pine / Mondell Pine / Lone Star Christmas Tree / Desert Pine / Elder): Cold stratify for 30 days.

Pinus Cembra Sibirica (Swiss Stone Pine / Siberian Pine): Warm stratify for 60 days and then cold stratify for 120 days.

Pinus Pumila (Dwarf Siberian Pine / Japanese Stone Pine): cold stratify for 120 days.

Pinus Gerardiana (Chilghoza Pine / Gerald's Pine Nut / Nepal Nut Pine): Cold stratify for 30 days.

So as we can see it varies from pine nut to pine nut. But anywhere from 42 days to 180 days is how long it may take. And even longer for those that need both warm and cold stratification. Curious to see how well they germinate, looks like I will be filling plant trays this winter with them under grow lights. And then will put them outside in pots for their first spring/summer. Give them one more winter indoors and then possibly plant after. So its a long term project, but should be interesting to see how it all plays out.