How Long Do Bald Cypress Seeds Last?

[PalmTreeDude]

I have a bunch of Bald Cypress Seeds I picked in late October and I just now am cold stratizfying them, how long do they last though? I am kind of worried I waited too long...

[Fusca]

I doubt that you waited too long.  I've seen cones hang on bald cypress for months.  I also collected some in November and am cold stratifying them.  It's my second try, failed on first attempt.  Are you refrigerating them or just leaving them outside?  I'm sure in VA the latter would be sufficient.

Jon

[PalmTreeDude]

On 1/28/2018, 9:37:18, Fusca said:

I doubt that you waited too long.  I've seen cones hang on bald cypress for months.  I also collected some in November and am cold stratifying them.  It's my second try, failed on first attempt.  Are you refrigerating them or just leaving them outside?  I'm sure in VA the latter would be sufficient.

Jon

I am using the refrigerator, any tips? 

[Fusca]

I just read in a couple of places to keep them moist but not wet - I think one source suggested sewing seeds in moist sand in a baggy for 3 months and another source suggested using moist paper towel in a baggy.  I think the key for success is keeping the soil moist once the seeds are planted after the stratification.  They say germination is sporadic - I haven't had any success yet myself, but this is only my second try.  I didn't have any sand so I used the paper towel method.

I just visited a tree nursery today after work and they had a huge cypress in the back which had several cones still on the tree.  And I just read where fresh seeds can be dry stored for up to a year, so that confirms that you didn't wait too long!    Hopefully we'll both have success this time.  I think I can pot mine up later this month.  We've had a couple of weeks of spring weather here, but I'm waiting for the last freeze which I hope was last month!  All the local garden centers have already started stocking new plants so they're hoping no more freezes also!

Jon

[PalmTreeDude]

Thank you for your help, I was starting to worry! 

[Fusca]

On 1/28/2018, 12:06:44, PalmTreeDude said:

I have a bunch of Bald Cypress Seeds I picked in late October and I just now am cold stratizfying them, how long do they last though? I am kind of worried I waited too long...

Any luck with your cypress seeds?  Nothing yet with mine - I just sowed my seeds into planting mix about 2 weeks ago after nearly 4 months of chilling.  But my one of my almonds (chilled in the same baggie) germinated.

Jon

[PalmTreeDude]

On 4/2/2018, 10:52:17, Fusca said:

Any luck with your cypress seeds?  Nothing yet with mine - I just sowed my seeds into planting mix about 2 weeks ago after nearly 4 months of chilling.  But my one of my almonds (chilled in the same baggie) germinated.

Jon

Mine are still chilling, I put them in a bit late.