Sacha wrote:

Thanks, David. I've suggested he talks to the chap at Dartington and also
the Plant for a Future database centre. I'll mention the France idea to
him. Apparently Exeter University had a wonderful one but it's gone. I
don't think they're very long lived and have no idea at what age they
produce seed.

If he hunts about a bit, he'll find that seeds are occasionally
available via several rare seeds suppliers such as B&T World Seeds.
This may be the best source since as a young plant, montezumae is not
especially slow growing and for the first few decades is quite
vigorous. The rather poor root system does not establish well if they
are too big when planted and a large pot grown specimen can sit doing
very little for several years. Seedlngs will always score over larger
plants.

Seeds need to be soaked for a day and then stratified for 6 weeks (mix
with damp perlite and place them in a poly-bag in the bottom of the
fridge) before sowing to break dormancy otherwise germination will be
very slow and erratic. Germinate at around 21C and harden the
seedlings off as soon as possible. They should be planted out in
final positions when about 10cms. high and need a sharply drained,
acidic soil.

Once established the young plants are remarkably drought tolerant and
cannot tolerate constantly wet conditions.. Montezumae is not that
hardy in some parts of the UK and even in the south, they need
protection for the first few winters. The seedlings are also prone to
damping-off in our cool humid conditions so they will need careful
management and treating with a fungicide as a preventative measure.

Although not noted for longevity, I don't think this pine is
especially short lived around 150 - 200 years is about the limit, but
our climate is normally cooler and wetter than its natural habitat,
which may increase susceptibility to disease. Coning usually
commences at about 8 - 10 years, but since it is normally a self
sterile species a single plant rarely produces viable seed.