Kentucky coffee tree germination

[beechluvr]

I was clearing hydro in Toronto and came accross a 30DBH Kentucky Coffee Tree with pods! Saw a few on the street but none with pods. Guess I found the only female tree. I collected about 6 fat pods. Researched a bit about them and decided that I am going to extract the seeds, dry them and attempt to germinate a few over the winter. I read that I need to sandpaper the seedcoat down. Is this correct? Also, do they need a dormant period before I place them in soil?
Im pretty excited as i have never seen a mature one. If anyone wants some in Ontario id be happy to mail you some seeds.(sorry US'ers)
Any tips or tricks would be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[ryansenechal]

Dirr's recommends scarification with concentrated sulphuric acid for 4 to 6 hours.

Sheffield's says no stratification required, so a decent draining growing medium and mulched surface direct sow is the ticket.

Dirr also mentioned "The seeds are great fun to throw and hit with a baseball bat."

 

[easyphloem]

Also, I heard you can crush the seeds and throw them into a creek, and it will temporarily stun fish and make them float to the surface.

SZ

 

[Treezybreez]

For hard coated seeds I usually use the corner of a flat file. You don't have to remove the entire seed coating. Then soak in warm water over night or until the seed swells.

 

[RopeShield]

I could'nt find it my Propogators manual.
I would suggest holding at temp of 4degrees celsius for a for atleast 3 months.In trees of the Carolinian Forest by Waldron seeds can be filed. Safe to just scratch up the hard seed coat. Then soak in water for 24hrs.
Sow immediately and do not allow the babies to freeze.

Aesculus glabra hippocastanum glabra was used by 1st Nations as a stupifier of fish. Pulverized in thrown in pool or still waters.

See if you can sell or trade a few to a propogator.
Best of luck

 

[robinia]

Henry Kock's book is a must have for any plant propagator, especially here in Ontario.

Gymnocladus dioica:
"Seeds will not germinate if only soaked in water, and my experience using the standard hot water treatment for legumes has produced very poor germination. They germinate readilly after filing a patch off the seed coat. I carefully hold the seed up to a grinding wheel and remove a small patch from the outer layer of the seed coat. A 24-hour soak in cold water will cause the seed to swell to two to three times its dry size. Plant the swollen seed 3/4 to 1 inch apart in a cold froame, avoid overwatering them, and they should germinate within two weeks."

Good luck!