The message 01c310e1$59b18cc0$a068893e@default
from "John Ellison" contains these words:

About 12 months ago, I decided to try to grow some trees from seed. My
choices were Osage Orange (Pomifera Maclura), Sitka Spruce (Picea
Sitchensis), Yew (Taxus Baccata) and Hackberry (Celtis Occidentalis). (My
choices were influenced by my interest in bowyery and growing my own
materials for my retirement (in about 35 years time...)).

The Osage and the Sitka Spruce are growing well - the Osage are about 6"
high after 12 months, and the Spruce about 3". However, both the Yew and
Hackberry seeds have rotted in the pot. What am I doing wrong? Is there an
optimum time to plant? Should the seeds be scarified first?

All (constructive) suggestions welcome.

I don't know about the Celtis, but Yew seed I think is best sown fresh,
i.e. about November. Is it possible that your seed had lost its
viability?

I have had success with Yew sowing it fresh, keeping it warm for about 2
months and then letting it chill outside through the rest of the winter.

Janet G