I think I used perlite and vermiculite last year for some Japanese Black Pines, maybe coco coir also. This year I noticed I have loblolly pine seedlings growing happily in absolutely everything in my yard. These are all self-seeded from trees in my yard, so it doesn't seem like they care very much if they have fancy soil or not.
Yes sir, just regular masonry/construction sand where all the smaller stuff is sifted out. I've been experimenting with different stuff over the years, this worked the best so far. I think it has something to do with how much air is in the mix.
I've already taken a lot of seedling cuttings from the tray, but a month ago it was absolutely full of trees.
I wish I could, but I don't have access to any good pines near me sadly. I usually just order online, plant a few 100 and keep the ones that thrive.
Mostly Japanese black pine and Scots pines, Mugo pine. I'm sure JBP would grow great in Australia. I'm in Scandinavia so I tend to stick to the more hardy pines.
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Made a bunch of seedling cuttings today - Was wondering, what substrate others use for germinating pine? Sifted sand was a success this year. | Spyke
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I think I used perlite and vermiculite last year for some Japanese Black Pines, maybe coco coir also. This year I noticed I have loblolly pine seedlings growing happily in absolutely everything in my yard. These are all self-seeded from trees in my yard, so it doesn't seem like they care very much if they have fancy soil or not.
Here's the end result
Placed them directly in perlite and coco (80%ish perlite)
Looking good, great work!
Don't have much experience germinating pine. That mix looks very coarse. Is it just sifted sand and aggregate?
Yes sir, just regular masonry/construction sand where all the smaller stuff is sifted out. I've been experimenting with different stuff over the years, this worked the best so far. I think it has something to do with how much air is in the mix.
I've already taken a lot of seedling cuttings from the tray, but a month ago it was absolutely full of trees.
Brilliant. They look very healthy. I'll have to give it a go this coming spring (I'm in Western Australia). Do you collect your seed?
I wish I could, but I don't have access to any good pines near me sadly. I usually just order online, plant a few 100 and keep the ones that thrive.
Mostly Japanese black pine and Scots pines, Mugo pine. I'm sure JBP would grow great in Australia. I'm in Scandinavia so I tend to stick to the more hardy pines.