Propagating a 100-Foot Pine: Cuttings vs. Seeds

Can You Root a Branch from a 100-Foot Pine?

Follow-up: tree cannot be transplanted (root ball 12 ft wide, 6 ft deep, 518 lbs). Owner wants to propagate from cuttings or seeds.

Cuttings: Difficult but Possible

Pine rooting is challenging. Better option: collect cones, extract seeds, cold-stratify, and sow.

Seed Method

1. Gather cones; dry until they open.
2. Extract seeds; refrigerate until spring.
3. Sow just under surface in good potting soil.
4. Transplant to larger pots as they grow.
5. Plant out at ~12 inches tall.

Resources

• Rooting hormones: https://www.rooting-hormones.com/hudson.htm
• Growing from seed: https://www.colostate.edu/depts/CSFS/growseed.pdf