Thought I'd do a little update of the caledonian scots pines I germinated last year as I up-potted them from seed trays today.
If you've followed my posts you'll know in 2025 I germinated 4 batches of Scots Pine from 3 seperate sources, only one being of caledonian origin.
This batch had the lowest germination rates, and slowest growth through 2025, but they seem to be fine. Most have, or are currently, developing buds at the immature needle nodes, a couple even put out a few low shoots last year.
15 survived winter, and I up-potted 12 (three remaining to give to a friend)
The roots of 4 of those 12 up-potted were prolific, with a good spread of horizontal roots. Only a few of the 12 did I have to cut any major tap root, in favor of these horizontal roots. Long roots were pruned back.
Plans for this year, fertilize the ever living %#%£ out of them. Come autumn I will assess wether or not I will prune back dominant shoots- to promote more backbudding. This may be something I only do to the strongest, or 50% of the batch. Then in 2027, I can establish sacrifice branches.
Cheers for now.
by Lara_Ericaceous
2 Comments
Sounds like a plan!
Also, I’d like to encourage folk on here to germinate some native pines of their own this year.