🫘 From seed

More Chinese Cork Bark Elm

Stratification

  • 30-60 days of cold stratification. <3/28/25>

  • Sow the seeds: Place the seeds in the soil about 1/16–1/8 in deep.

  • Wait for germination: After 2–3 months, the seeds should germinate. <7/4/25>

Japanese Stone Pine

Pinus Pumila

Stratification

  • Soak the seeds: Soak the seeds in water overnight to soften the outer shell. 

  • Prepare the damp sphagnum moss: Fill a plastic bag with damp sphagnum moss. 

  • Stratify the seeds: Place the seeds in the damp sphagnum moss bag and refrigerate for 60–90 days. <3/14/25>

  • Plant the seeds: Plant the seeds in a well-draining seed-starter mix, about 1/4 inch deep. 

  • Water the seeds: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. 

Five needle pine. Stone Pine best in zones 9a-11b, with mild winters and warm summers. Frost-tolerant to 14°F, suitable for California's Mediterranean climate.

European Beech

Fagus Sylvatica

Stratification

  • Three month cold stratification is recommended (five months improved success rate).

  • Mix the seeds with a damp growing mix, moist sand, peat moss, or vermiculite

  • Place the mixture in a sealable plastic bag or container

  • Put the container in the refrigerator at a temperature of 34–41°F (1–5°C)

  • Stratify for 30–90 days <3/14/25>•

  • Check the moisture levels periodically and add more water if needed

  • After stratification, move the seeds to a warmer temperature

Cuttings

  • Difficult to impossible to root.

  • Use softwood cuttings in late spring for effective propagation and rooting.

  • Hardwood propagation is done from live stem cuttings at the tip of the branch where the tree growth is most vigorous.

  • The wood needs to be new wood no more than a year old.  Assuming that your branches meet this criteria, here are the steps to propagate a tree from the stem cuttings: Using clean and sharp pruners, take 6- to 10-inch cuttings from the tip of the branch, from wood no more than a year old. The fall is the best time for this process. Put in soil and cover in plastic.

Silverberry

Elaeagnus commutata

Stratification

  • Fall plant or 3 months cold stratification (Feb-Apr).

  • Soak the seeds in water for 12–24 hours. 

  • Mix the seeds with an equal amount of sand and peat moss. 

  • Place the mixture in a sealable bag or container. 

  • Put the container in the refrigerator at a temperature between 33–41°F. 

  • Check the moisture level periodically and add more water if needed

  • Silverberry seeds should be sown as soon as they are ripe in a cold frame. They should germinate in late winter or early spring, but it can take up to 18 months. 

Cuttings

  • Oct-Dec, terminal, 5” long, 5:1 sand:peat, heat mat, poly cover— 3-4 mo. Leave until next spring, before transplanted. 12-18” first year growth.

  • July-Aug cuttings also.

Eastern Red Cedar

Juniperus virginiana

Stratification

  • Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. 

  • Remove excess water and place the seeds in a sealed bag. 

  • Place the bag in the fridge for 12 weeks. 

  • Make sure the seeds don't dry out or become waterlogged. 

  • Sow the seeds in a container with potting compost. 

  • Cover the seeds with a thin layer of vermiculite or compost. 

  • Water regularly and keep the soil moist. 

  • Place the container in a location with alternating temperatures during the day and night. 

  • Option: You can also try warm stratification for a period of time before the cold stratification

Eastern red cedar trees grow best in full sun and well-drained soil

I bought some Anderson flats to grow seed in. Will fill with sand and coco coir—or experiment with soil. <Apr-May>

Michael Wei