cedrus libani seed germination failed...

[CapeCodBonsai]

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

It’s been a couple of years since I have germinated any seeds from the Cedrus genus but, I don’t remember thinking that there was anything unusual about the juvenile root system. I believe the roots were an unremarkable light brown color with white growing tips.

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

If you could get me Fagus crenata seeds or Pinus parviflora seeds, I’d find a way to get Cedrus seeds to you.

 

[CL_jp]

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.

Thanks for introducing me to some nurseries!

If I can get in contact with them I think, I would appreciate some advice.

 

[CL_jp]

It’s been a couple of years since I have germinated any seeds from the Cedrus genus but, I don’t remember thinking that there was anything unusual about the juvenile root system. I believe the roots were an unremarkable light brown color with white growing tips.


If you could get me Fagus crenata seeds or Pinus parviflora seeds, I’d find a way to get Cedrus seeds to you.

I see!
The color of the roots is dull compared to other cedars, so they may not look healthy...

That may seem like a good idea at first glance!
But I've tried to order from a few overseas sites and they've told me they can't deliver...
Plus, I have a hard time identifying trustworthy online seed stores.

 

[CL_jp]

Please look at this images.
These are cold stratifications that were done from the end of last month to the beginning of this month. Is this a sign of radicles?

 

[CL_jp]

However, even when they reach this stage, they are usually weak and die...
I have seen them dissolve in the soil many times.
As a medium, I use commercially available soil for sowing seeds, which dries easily, or a mixture of Akadama soil and vermiculite.

 

[CL_jp]

I'm sorry, but if you know anything about the water balloon-like root problem that I had a lot of trouble with in the past, please let me know also.

 

[WNC Bonsai]

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!

Interesting that no stratification is needed for these or BAC. Maybe I’ll order a batch of those to try.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Interesting that no stratification is needed for these or BAC. Maybe I’ll order a batch of those to try.

Depends who you ask. Some people say to stratify... others not.

 

[WNC Bonsai]

Depends who you ask. Some people say to stratify... others not.

Well Sheffield says it is not needed, besides if you do stratify them you may have a pretty late germination, hope you have a greenhouse to over winter them in.

 

[CL_jp]

Well Sheffield says it is not needed, besides if you do stratify them you may have a pretty late germination, hope you have a greenhouse to over winter them in.

Sorry, I'm a beginner so I don't know.
What is Sheffield?

 

[WNC Bonsai]

Sheffield is a major seed supplier. Also my comment was a reply to Bonsai Nuts reply to me.

 

[CL_jp]

Sheffield is a major seed supplier. Also my comment was a reply to Bonsai Nuts reply to me.

Oops, sorry about that. I said something unnecessary.

I think what you're saying makes sense, so it's helpful.

Thank you.

 

[jevanlewis]

Ok, since the rest of you are giving Libani a try, I now have FOMO and just ordered some seeds from Sheffields! I guess I'm about 9 days behind @Bonsai Nut .

 

[CL_jp]

Ok, since the rest of you are giving Libani a try, I now have FOMO and just ordered some seeds from Sheffields! I guess I'm about 9 days behind @Bonsai Nut .

That's so wonderful!
I'd love to see some pictures of your progress!

I'm actually trying to order it directly from overseas, and it should arrive around the middle of May.

 

[CL_jp]

This time, I desperately tried to buy Cedar of Lebanon seeds from overseas, but it seems that the wrong kind of seeds were sent. I feel like I have been deceived.
The bag on the left is the one I just purchased, and the bag on the right is one I've had for a while.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

In my limited experience with these seeds...

(1) It matters greatly where you source your seeds. I received seeds from 3 vendors. The first vendor the seeds were actively germinating in the bag when they arrived. Vendors #2 and #3 the seeds were indistinguishable when they arrived. However vendor #2 said "plant immediately" and vendor #3 said "do research - you are on your own". I planted both at the same time in the same media... and you can see the results:



(2) The seedlings are extremely sensitive to sunlight. Keep them in almost total shade. I had two pots of seedlings from vendor #1 (above) and because they were germinating I waited for them to open up and put them in my "partial sun" area with my Japanese maple seedlings. The moment they got a little sun they shriveled up and died - immediately. This is contrary to my experience with black pine and juniper seeds - where the best practice is to move them into brighter light after they open up and harden.

(3) I am keeping them in my "anti-fungus" mix of peat moss and perlite. I am being very careful to keep the soil moist, but not wet. They are in a cold frame (high humidity) in 100% shade, with moderate indirect light.

I will be interested to see if I can keep them alive a year I will update with progress.

 

[CL_jp]

In my limited experience with these seeds...

(1) It matters greatly where you source your seeds. I received seeds from 3 vendors. The first vendor the seeds were actively germinating in the bag when they arrived. Vendors #2 and #3 the seeds were indistinguishable when they arrived. However vendor #2 said "plant immediately" and vendor #3 said "do research - you are on your own". I planted both at the same time in the same media... and you can see the results:

View attachment 600287

(2) The seedlings are extremely sensitive to sunlight. Keep them in almost total shade. I had two pots of seedlings from vendor #1 (above) and because they were germinating I waited for them to open up and put them in my "partial sun" area with my Japanese maple seedlings. The moment they got a little sun they shriveled up and died - immediately. This is contrary to my experience with black pine and juniper seeds - where the best practice is to move them into brighter light after they open up and harden.

(3) I am keeping them in my "anti-fungus" mix of peat moss and perlite. I am being very careful to keep the soil moist, but not wet. They are in a cold frame (high humidity) in 100% shade, with moderate indirect light.

I will be interested to see if I can keep them alive a year I will update with progress.

I can't believe it! It dies when exposed to direct sunlight...

That's very valuable information.

I'll take that into consideration.

I'm planning to try it out when the 2024 seeds arrive tomorrow.