The Korean fir uses its wealth of varieties to present us with an impressive variety. With this type of fir, we have a choice in terms of size, growth habit and even the color of the needles. Beautiful specimens await in nurseries. But does it also work at home?

Autumn is seed time

Sowing or grafting?

The Korean fir is propagated by seeds. However, seed propagation rarely produces trees that resemble the parent plant in all respects. If you are looking for a certain variety or certain properties, buying a refined Korean fir is more likely. Those who like to experiment, for whom every tree of this kind is welcome, can challenge their patience and start their own cultivation.

Select viable seeds

Korean firs form seeds in the female cones, but not all of them are germinable. So that the propagation work does not lead to disappointment, you should test the seeds beforehand.

  • Harvest cones in December
  • lay on a sunny window sill so that chambers open
  • Remove seeds and soak in water for a day
  • Viable seeds sink to the bottom
  • non-germinable seeds float to the surface

Expose seed to cold

Sow the seeds immediately after the germination test, even if the growing season is still a long way off. Because as a cold germinator, the Korean fir needs a longer period of cold, which only stimulates germination. These are the individual steps:

  1. Fill a bowl with a mixture of soil and sand.
  2. Spread the seeds on it.
  3. Only lightly cover the seeds with the soil mixture.
  4. Put the bowl outside.
  5. Always keep the soil slightly moist.

tips

It will take a few weeks or even months for germination to start. During this time, birds can pick the seeds out of the ground. Cover the bowl as a precaution.

Alternatively, stratify in the refrigerator

Stratification can also take place in the home refrigerator, where the seeds are protected from unfavorable influences.

  • Soak seeds in water for two days first
  • place in a plastic bag along with a few handfuls of sand
  • Cover and place in the fridge for three weeks
  • then sow and germinate at 12 to 15 °C

Transplanting the young firs

Korean firs only show timid growth. Only after two years are the young trees strong and large enough to be planted out.

Category:

Trees