Hemlock Cones - finally !

[GregManning]

Hemlock Seeds & Germination (not)

Removed seeds from cones
Stored indoors
“Planted” in moist sawdust; covered w/ ~ 1/8” sawdust; then moist paper towel to retain moisture.
Stored in un-heated garage (~35°F – ambient) from 3/5/22 thru 4/22/22.
Container placed outdoors in sun; maintained paper towel moisture.
No germination: 5/5/22
Experiment ended when a presumed racoon “investigated” the container.

Based on literature, I did not really expect any germination from these very early seeds.

 

[KTSmith]

Thanks Greg for the update and for doing the confirmatory check on germinability (or lack of same). Give 'em time!.

 

[Treezybreez]

I probably wouldn't use saw dust because of the tannins. Peat moss or paper towels would be better. Thanks for the update. Keep trying.

 

[GregManning]

I probably wouldn't use saw dust because of the tannins. Peat moss or paper towels would be better. Thanks for the update. Keep trying.

FYI
The sawdust was created to use for grilling / smoking food.
It as stored in a hot attic for at least 15 years.
I assumed that all the chain oil etc. had evaporated.

 

[GregManning]

FYI
The sawdust was created to use for grilling / smoking food.
It as stored in a hot attic for at least 15 years.
I assumed that all the chain oil etc. had evaporated.

@Treezybreez - Comments ?
tannins evap ?

Sawdust was maple.

 

[Treezybreez]

@Treezybreez - Comments ?
tannins evap ?

Sawdust was maple.

Sawdust from a chainsaw is going to have trace amounts of bar oil which will never fully evaporate. Sawdust itself might actually draw moisture away from the seeds. As far as tannins are concerned, maples do have less than oak, but I do not know if it will evaporate.

 

[GregManning]

@KTSmith , et al
New eastern hemlock cones forming this spring /early summer.
Most are green; however, some are covered w/ a cream/orange material.
Is this good, or bad ?

Pollen, mold, fugus, other ?

 

[evo]

@KTSmith , et al
New eastern hemlock cones forming this spring /early summer.
Most are green; however, some are covered w/ a cream/orange material.
Is this good, or bad ?

Pollen, mold, fugus, other ?

View attachment 89019

Kinda looks like a cone smut, fungal I believe. And not even sure that is what it’s called.

After taking a peek at this thread I don’t know if it works with hemlock due to the wings. But they can be dewinged if you have enough patience. Then put them in a jar and fill the jar with water. Viable seed tends to sink and non viable floats aka ‘float test’. I’ve had great luck with this on pines (also winged but not so tiny). Had to soak them for about 12-24 hours as I recall.

Cold stratifying can be done outdoors over the winter if in the native range. A fridge works, as well as a freezer for some species. 2 weeks in a fridge, a week in a freezer, then sow.

A coarse sand, with vermiculite is a good medium for sowing too. Can sub vermiculite with peat moss or coconut coir and add in a few handfuls of pumice. Goal is moisture but great drainage. Misting is better than watering

 

[Treezybreez]

Twig and cone rust caused by Melampsora abietis-canadensis would be my guess.

 

[KTSmith]

I think Treezy has got it. It is often referred to as Melampsora farlowii. I think one of the judgement calls on naming rests on whether a single rust species infects foliage, twigs, cones or whether there is plant-part specificity.

 

[GregManning]

The "fugus" has disappeared. It appears the affected cones have died, dried & turned black.
No other apperant damage. I hope.
Many more of my 200+ hemlocks have cones this year, vs last year.

 

[GregManning]

@Treezybreez
What is your plan for your Hemlock seed this year ?

 

[Treezybreez]

@Treezybreez
What is your plan for your Hemlock seed this year ?

I don’t have any more Hemlock seed, but I still have a few seedlings that made it through the Summer and somehow managed to avoid getting eaten by the slugs. Hopefully they will push out new growth in the spring. Right now they are still tiny.

 

[Treezybreez]

Looks like only five made it so far.