we have not too far from us a little pine tree which has just produced this
cone. (see photo)

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2dqm5wp&s=3

we would like to try to grow the seeds. someone told us to plant the cone
in a pot before it opens?

but what would be the right time to do it, and how crucial is the timing?
since it might open quickly and we cannot visit it every day.