In message , john royce
writes
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?

That doesn't sound like good advice

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.


but it won't be ripe for a long time yet.

"You cannot grow pine trees by planting pine cones.
Pine seed are contained within the cones and must be
taken out before planting. Collect ripe pine cones in the
fall before they open, because most seed are shed soon
afterward."

http://msucares.com/pubs/publications/p1408.pdf
--
Stewart Robert Hinsley