Japanese Red Pine (Pinus Densiflora) 10 seeds (#200)

The broad-spreading, picturesque habit and handsome bark of this East Asian native make it a favorite for gardens and bonsai worldwide. A fast-growing, medium to large tree in the wild, it has given rise to numerous ornamental cultivars of various coloration and size.
The twisted, bright green to bluish green needles of this pine occur in bundles of two. They cluster at the tips of twigs that are held on long, horizontal, often sinuous branches. The lower branches are usually shed, exposing the scaly, reddish-brown trunk (trees are often multi-trunked). In spring, tiny male cones and relatively small female cones appear near the branch tips. The yellowish tan female cones persist for several years before dropping.
This cold-hardy pine does well in full sun and well-drained soil. It fares poorly in hot harsh climates. Its striking, often umbrella-like habit suits it for use as a specimen plant. Dwarf selections make ideal subjects for smaller gardens or bonsai.

Genus - Pinus
Species - Densiflora
Common name - Japanese Red Pine
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 3 - 7
Height - 50'-80' / 15 - 24 m
Spread - 30'-50' / 9 - 15 m
Plant type - Tree
Vegetation type - Evergreen
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral
Soil type - Loam, Sand, Well Drained
Water requirements - Average Water
Landscape uses - Feature Plant, Shade Trees, Street Trees, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
Leaf / Flower color - Green / --

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place the seeds in a container with tepid water and soak them for 24 hours. Change the water and wait another 24 hours.
2. Put the seeds in a small plastic bag and cover with damp sand. Place the bag holding the seeds in the refrigerator for one month to stratify the seeds, which is preserving seeds in layers of moisture-laden peat, soil or sand. Check the sand and water as needed to maintain moisture. Don't allow the seeds to get soaked.
3. Fill small pots with compost. Place one or two pine seeds on top of the compost in each pot, then cover the seeds with 5 mm layer of sand.
4. Water the sand and compost to add moisture, then place the pots in a warm, sunny location. As the seedlings emerge and grow, the soil needs to remain moist, not wet.
5. Repot the pine trees into medium-sized pots in the fall. Grow them in the pots for the following season until they are large and strong enough for transplanting into the landscape.