Pine cone seeds, properly stratified, can be germinated fairly easily to cultivate new trees. When you have harvested the cone from a local tree, you are more likely to grow a tree that will be successful in your climate. Collect seed in the fall when cones begin to open. Open cones have already dropped their seeds.

How do you get pine cones to sprout?

Place the cones in a paper sack and put them in a warm, well-ventilated room. Shake the sack every few days. When the cone is dry enough to release the seeds, you'll hear them rattling around in the bag. Place the pine seeds in a resealable plastic bag and store them in the freezer for three months.

How long does it take for a pine cone to sprout?

They will take between one and three weeks to sprout. You can strategically position your pine cone in the soil close to your seedlings, but not directly on top of the seedlings or you will kill the seedlings.