Torrey Pine Tree Seed Germination?

LangleyWel Cincinnati, OH Nov 30, 2004

Hello friends,

Here is something that I have been wondering about for some time...

Does anyone out there know how to germinate seeds from the Torrey Pine Tree? - or trees like it?

This tree is said to be very rare and grows naturally only in the San Diego, CA area. The seeds are large - about the size of garbanzo beans, but not quite as round.

I did some research a while back and found out that the Torrey Pine Cones often stay on the parent tree for as long as 10 years or more, before they fall to the ground and possibly then germinate.

I have a few seeds - which are at least 15 years old now. They came out of some pine cones that were felled in a storm and rolled out onto the road, where cars were running over them and kids were throwing them. Being a lover of these trees, I salvaged a few cones and held onto them as sacred items.

I am wondering if my seeds might be too old to germinate, but I am willing to try.

I would be thrilled to find out how to possibly germinate them and grow them in a protected environment.

Any advise would be appreciated.

If you would prefer to contact me via email, my address is: LangleyWel@aol.com

Thank you!