Question
QUESTION: I have several cones from a cedar tree taken from the St. Louis, MO area....I would like to germinate them and grow them into cedar trees- how do I proceed? At the moment the little round cones (dark brown) are sitting in a zip lock bag .....waiting for me to do something with them~
Id appreciate your help~!
David

ANSWER: Hi David,
Thanx for your question. Do you know what kind of cedar you have?  Remove the seeds from the cone.  I believe you can soak the cones in warm water which will cause them to open and release their seeds or you can force the cones open yourself.  Place the seeds in a moist paper towel and then seal inside a plastic baggie.  Put the baggie in the refrigerator for about 90 days.  After that, remove the seeds from the paper towel and bag and plant one in deep in a pot of potting soil.  Keep the pot warm and watered but not soggy.  The seedlings will emerge in a few weeks.  Let them develop to a good size before pricking them out and planting in separate pots.  I hope this helps.
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have no idea what kind of cedar it is....its needles were soft and came in a cylindrical shape on each twig/sprig.....My girlfriend and I "borrowed" the cones from the St Louis zoo where the tree was.....near the elephant walk!  I havent touched the cones yet....will the seeds be obvious...ummm -  Where do I find them once the cone has opened up? Do they just fall out...or are they attached to each cone section? Once in the fridge....for 3 months....do I keep re-moistening the towel or just let it sit?

Thanks for the help so far~!
David

Answer
Hi David,
Thanx for the additional information.  The cedar shades will look somewhat like larger versions of sunflower kernels and brown.  They should just sprinkle out of the cone.  If you will moisten the towel initially, place the seeds inside and then fold it and place it inside a plastic baggie, seal the baggie and you should not have to moisten it any further.  I hope this helps.
Tom