RNGR.net is sponsored by the USDA Forest Service and Southern Regional Extension Forestry and is a colloborative effort between these two agencies.

U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA Forest Service Southern Regional Extension Forestry Southern Regional Extension Forestry

Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

Home → Native Plant Network → Journal → Articles → Rocky Mountain juniper seed collecting, processing, and germination

Native Plants Journal - Article

Rocky Mountain juniper seed collecting, processing, and germination

Abstract:

Propagating Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum Sarg. [Cupressaceae]) from seeds is difficult, but proper collection, cleaning, storage, and dormancy treatment can improve success. Our best success is achieved by: 1) avoiding collection of immature and insect damaged cones; 2) minimizing cone storage or storing surface-dried cones under well-ventilated conditions at 1 to 3 ø4 to 37 ønd 80% to 90% humidity; 3) macerating cones in hand-cleaner-amended water; 4) separating light or unfilled seeds from viable seeds with flotation; and 5) treating seeds with a 120 d warm moist stratification in peat moss mix followed by 150 d cold moist chilling. Establishment and management of cultivated orchards improves seed yield and quality.

Issue & Pages:

Fall 2001 Pages: 73-78

Article Download:

2-2NPJ73-78.pdf (PDF document)

Authors:

  • Joseph D Scianna

Keywords:

dormancy, macerator, seed orchard