cedrus libani seed germination failed...

[CL_jp]

My seeds germination is many failed.
So far, 200 seeds have failed.
Initially, I wrapped the seeds in a damp paper towel and chilled them in the refrigerator(celsius 5°c, fahrenheit40°c) for a month before sowing them.
The other one I tried the following site but it didn't germinate...(https://evergreengardenworks.com/cedars.htm)

C.brevifolia and C.atlantica C.deodara have been successful in germinating,
C.libani is very difficult.

I'm Japanese so I'm not good English...sorry

There are very few people in Japan who grow them from seeds, so please help...!

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Welcome to the site!

Did you soak the seeds in warm water overnight? (Before you put them in the refrigerator for cold stratification?)

When you sowed the seeds, did you keep the soil warm? (In a greenhouse, cold frame, or with bottom heat?)

 

[Gabler]

I tried to grow them, too. I also failed to get any to germinate. If anyone has gotten them to grow, I'm eager to hear what you did.

 

[CL_jp]

Welcome to the site!

Did you soak the seeds in warm water overnight? (Before you put them in the refrigerator for cold stratification?)

When you sowed the seeds, did you keep the soil warm? (In a greenhouse, cold frame, or with bottom heat?)

Thank you reply.

Yes. I soak the seeds in warm water overnight- 24h.I tried soaking time 4h - 24.(cold stratification 2weeks - 4weeks)

I think, maybe the soik wasn't kept warm or moist enough. Once my seeds rotted.

In most cases, they were kept in a sunny room from early spring.

I can see radicles about 1mm long coming out of the seeds, but they are grey or brown and look like water balloons, which is far from the normal healthy radicles of cedars. or Is C.libani seeds radicle normal? In fact, if I sow them, they will be dark and rot.

 

[CL_jp]

I tried to grow them, too. I also failed to get any to germinate. If anyone has gotten them to grow, I'm eager to hear what you did.

Thank you for the wonderful proverb.

I would like to ask anyone who has grown C.libani for details on humidity control.

 

[CL_jp]

I think it may be difficult to control the humidity during cold stratification because other seeds are growing well.

 

[Gabler]

I think it may be difficult to control the humidity during cold stratification because other seeds are growing well.

I suspect my seeds were too wet, but that is just a guess.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I would like to ask anyone who has grown C.libani for details on humidity control.

After reading your experience, I just ordered some seeds. They will be here this week. I will take photos of each step that I take, and share them here. Hopefully I get some success!

 

[CL_jp]

I suspect my seeds were too wet, but that is just a guess.

How wet was it then?
I'll use that as a reference.

 

[CL_jp]

After reading your experience, I just ordered some seeds. They will be here this week. I will take photos of each step that I take, and share them here. Hopefully I get some success!

I'm very happy to hear that!
Thank you is it!
I used seeds from Turkey, and your information on humidity and care methods would be very helpful!

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I'm very happy to hear that!
Thank you is it!
I used seeds from Turkey, and your information on humidity and care methods would be very helpful!

I have purchased cedrus libani seeds from three different sources. I will try various methods to see if I can get any success.

I have learned that germination rates of tree seeds can vary dramatically depending on source. Here is a photo showing germination rates for Japanese black pine seeds from six different sources - all treated identically and planted at the same time into the same media. Initial rejection rate (floating seeds on initial soak) was 0.4% - 15.4%, depending on the vendor. Note that some of the best-looking seeds had the lowest germination rates - for reasons I can't explain. I assume cedar seeds may have the same variability depending on source. I made sure that at least one of my sources was domestic (from US tree) since many seeds come from Turkey and may have been stored for a while.

 

[hsaintandre]

I had poor success with them but they did germinate. In my case I took the seeds, in March, from a cone that was still attached to the tree,. It would break into scales as soon as you touched it, so I suppose it was mature enough.

I did not soak the seeds before cold stratification. I put them in a bag with misted napkins in the fridge. Humidity was low since the bag was not sealed and the napkins dried a little bit.
After 50 days I'd say, two seeds sent roots so I planted the whole batch, around 60 seeds, outside in compost. It was the beginning of May at this point, they would get some sun in the morning and in the afternoon, which warmed kindly the pots. However only 3 sprouted (the two with roots and another one).
All of them died in August, probably due to overwatering, inadequate soil, or both.
Perhaps compost is not ideal. There are plenty of Lebanon cedars in the region, they thrive here, and soil is practically clay.

 

[CL_jp]

I have purchased cedrus libani seeds from three different sources. I will try various methods to see if I can get any success.

I have learned that germination rates of tree seeds can vary dramatically depending on source. Here is a photo showing germination rates for Japanese black pine seeds from six different sources - all treated identically and planted at the same time into the same media. Initial rejection rate (floating seeds on initial soak) was 0.4% - 15.4%. I assume cedar seeds may have the same variability depending on source. I made sure that at least one of my sources was domestic (from US tree) since many seeds come from Turkey and may have been stored for a while.

View attachment 593187

I didn't know that...
Thank you very much for the good information!!

I hadn't really thought much about that element.

If that were the case, it would be a very tough situation, as in Japan (domestic country) you can only purchase from certain intermediary companies only.

 

[CL_jp]

I had poor success with them but they did germinate. In my case I took the seeds, in March, from a cone that was still attached to the tree,. It would break into scales as soon as you touched it, so I suppose it was mature enough.

I did not soak the seeds before cold stratification. I put them in a bag with misted napkins in the fridge. Humidity was low since the bag was not sealed and the napkins dried a little bit.
After 50 days I'd say, two seeds sent roots so I planted the whole batch, around 60 seeds, outside in compost. It was the beginning of May at this point, they would get some sun in the morning and in the afternoon, which warmed kindly the pots. However only 3 sprouted (the two with roots and another one).
All of them died in August, probably due to overwatering, inadequate soil, or both.
Perhaps compost is not ideal. There are plenty of Lebanon cedars in the region, they thrive here, and soil is practically clay.

How...!
your information will be helpful, thank you!
Seeds can rot when humidity is high, so I was relieved to find that they can germinate in low humidity environments.

My mother, whose parents are farmers, often tells me, "If you don't water it properly, it will wither and die."
This plant seems to be particularly sensitive to overwatering.
I am sad that everything has withered away.
But I am a little jealous that I live in a place where cedars thrive.
There are very few Lebanon cedars in the country where I live, and where they are planted, collecting seeds is prohibited....

 

[CapeCodBonsai]

I’ve attempted to germinate the three varieties of Cedrus (four if you break out brevifolia separate from lebani).

For me, Cedrus libani has proven to be the most difficult. Cedrus deodara was the easiest with Cedrus atlantica taking a close second. I had zero success with Cedrus libani var. brevifolia.

I bought all of my Cedrus seeds from two different reputable sources here in the Northeastern United States:

- Price per 1 packet

Cedrus libani, commonly known as Cedar of Lebanon, is an exquisite evergreen conifer that serves as a majestic addition to any landscape. Initially slow-growing for its first 20 years, this tree may reach a modest height of 20 feet, but with time, it typi

sheffields.com

Cedrus libani (Cedar of Lebanon) Seed Description

Cedrus libani (Cedar of Lebanon) Seed Description

www.treeshrubseeds.com

I soaked 15 Cedar of Lebanon seeds over night and then sealed them in a zip lock baggie with some slightly damp sphagnum moss. I threw the baggie in the refrigerator for four weeks. When I removed them from the refrigerator, I noticed that one of the seeds had begun to sprout. I carefully separated it out from the tangle of sphagnum and planted it in a nursery container of used bonsai soil.

Several weeks passed without anymore of the seeds germinating so, I threw the remainder of the seeds & moss in a raised planting bed containing ordinary sandy garden loam. Within two weeks, three more seedlings emerged in the raised bed. Another two weeks passed and I was back to my one original seedling. Some kind of flying or crawling critter had snapped off the tops of the three garden seedlings leaving the tops laying on the surface of the soil just to prove to me that it was done out of spite.

I have left the one remaining seedling growing in the original nursery pot since June, 2022. I’m certain I should’ve repotted it this Spring however, I neglected to get that done. I’m sure the pot is tightly packed with roots so growth has slowed to a crawl.

The seedling has been left to grow outdoors in my zone 7 coastal climate with minimal winter protection during the coldest months.


Photo taken: April 20, 2025

 

[jevanlewis]

CLさん、はじめまして。It is unfortunate that cedars, especially Cedrus libani, are so difficult for you to acquire in Japan. I just started cedars this year, but due to the challenge of growing from seed, I just purchased seedlings:

Front two: Cedrus brevifolia
Second two: Cedrus atlantica
Large pot: Cedrus Libani

I guess I am only missing Cedrus deodara!


If you want to try from seed again, of course this website is a great resource. In addition to advice from here, you could contact nurseries that sell cedars (non-grafted from seed) to get ideas from them. 頑張ってください！

 

[CapeCodBonsai]

I guess I am only missing Cedrus deodara!

If you have any type of tree species you’d be willing to trade, I can hook you up with a small potted Deodar Cedar.

Rather than hijack this thread, send me a private message if you have any interest.

 

[CL_jp]

I’ve attempted to germinate the three varieties of Cedrus (four if you break out brevifolia separate from lebani).

For me, Cedrus libani has proven to be the most difficult. Cedrus deodara was the easiest with Cedrus atlantica taking a close second. I had zero success with Cedrus libani var. brevifolia.

I bought all of my Cedrus seeds from two different reputable sources here in the Northeastern United States:

- Price per 1 packet

Cedrus libani, commonly known as Cedar of Lebanon, is an exquisite evergreen conifer that serves as a majestic addition to any landscape. Initially slow-growing for its first 20 years, this tree may reach a modest height of 20 feet, but with time, it typi

sheffields.com

Cedrus libani (Cedar of Lebanon) Seed Description

Cedrus libani (Cedar of Lebanon) Seed Description

www.treeshrubseeds.com

I soaked 15 Cedar of Lebanon seeds over night and then sealed them in a zip lock baggie with some slightly damp sphagnum moss. I threw the baggie in the refrigerator for four weeks. When I removed them from the refrigerator, I noticed that one of the seeds had begun to sprout. I carefully separated it out from the tangle of sphagnum and planted it in a nursery container of used bonsai soil.

Several weeks passed without anymore of the seeds germinating so, I threw the remainder of the seeds & moss in a raised planting bed containing ordinary sandy garden loam. Within two weeks, three more seedlings emerged in the raised bed. Another two weeks passed and I was back to my one original seedling. Some kind of flying or crawling critter had snapped off the tops of the three garden seedlings leaving the tops laying on the surface of the soil just to prove to me that it was done out of spite.

I have left the one remaining seedling growing in the original nursery pot since June, 2022. I’m certain I should’ve repotted it this Spring however, I neglected to get that done. I’m sure the pot is tightly packed with roots so growth has slowed to a crawl.

The seedling has been left to grow outdoors in my zone 7 coastal climate with minimal winter protection during the coldest months.

View attachment 593309
Photo taken: April 20, 2025

I agree about the difficulty level of seeds.
But it's great that you managed to germinate!

What color were the roots when they germinated, and what was their condition?

 

[CL_jp]

CLさん、はじめまして。It is unfortunate that cedars, especially Cedrus libani, are so difficult for you to acquire in Japan. I just started cedars this year, but due to the challenge of growing from seed, I just purchased seedlings:

Front two: Cedrus brevifolia
Second two: Cedrus atlantica
Large pot: Cedrus Libani

I guess I am only missing Cedrus deodara!
View attachment 593321

If you want to try from seed again, of course this website is a great resource. In addition to advice from here, you could contact nurseries that sell cedars (non-grafted from seed) to get ideas from them. 頑張ってください！

Wow! Nice to meet you too!
Thank you for your words of support.
I'm happy to see Japanese on this site for the first time!

As far as I know, no one has ever grown a cedar, especially a Lebanon cedar.

Buying seedlings is also a smart choice!
Cedars are beautiful, and the young trees are adorable.

If someone have a nurseries where, grow cedars, I'd love to hear about it.

If I could speak English a little better, I would like to trade seeds directly.

 

[jevanlewis]

Wow! Nice to meet you too!
Thank you for your words of support.
I'm happy to see Japanese on this site for the first time!

As far as I know, no one has ever grown a cedar, especially a Lebanon cedar.

Buying seedlings is also a smart choice!
Cedars are beautiful, and the young trees are adorable.

If someone have a nurseries where, grow cedars, I'd love to hear about it.

If I could speak English a little better, I would like to trade seeds directly.

I purchased from the below nurseries:

1. Cedrus libani: Trees of Joy (Evergreen Gardenworks also would be a good source of info about cedar seedlings)
2. Cedrus brevifolia: Cedar Rose Nursery
3. Cedrus atlantica: The Johnsteen Company
4. Cedrus deodara: Red Panda Nursery (I actually haven't purchased cedars from them, but considered it recently)

I would be happy to contact them and get some advice on cedar seedlings.