Cam,

It sounds like you are experiencing some form of damp off - generally a
fungal attack of the soft stem at ground level. This is most likely if they
fall over. Solutions include using a very well draining soil (some use
straight sand) and making sure that they do not stay over wet. There are
also fungicides that can be used for damp off, but I have not found them
necessary.

I normally plant pine seed in flats with well draining soil (2/3 fine lava
(sand works) and 1/3 fine bark) outside for the winter with screen or
something on top to keep the critters out. Better than 50% germination is
common and I only lose a few in the spring - most often to forgetting to
water on the first hot day or so.

Marty

-----Original Message-----
From: Internet Bonsai Club ] On Behalf Of
cam
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2004 8:30 PM
To:
Subject: [IBC] Japanese black pine

Hi:

I`ve been trying to get some Japanese black pine seeds to grow.

So far, everytime I plant the seeds, they sprout great, get to about 2
or 3 inches tall then die.

Any ideas? Should I chill the seeds first? I`ve heard that this is
sometimes necessary for effective growth.

PS The seedlings that I tried to grow were done indoors. I was
planning (had they lived) to move outside in spring.

Thanks.

Cam
www.bonsaichat.com

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