The Korean fir uses its we alth of varieties to present us with an impressive variety. With this type of fir we have the choice in terms of size, growth habit and even the color of the needles. Beautiful specimens are waiting in tree nurseries. But can propagation at home also work?
How can you propagate the Korean fir?
The Korean fir can be propagated by seeds by first taking germinable seeds from cones, then exposing them to the cold or stratifying them in the refrigerator and finally sowing them in soil and sand. After about two years, the young fir trees are ready to be planted out.
Sowing or grafting?
The Korean fir is propagated from seeds. However, seed propagation rarely produces trees that resemble the mother plant in all respects. If you are interested in a specific variety or certain properties, buying a refined Korean fir is more suitable. Those who like to experiment and who welcome any tree of this kind can challenge their patience and start growing their own.
Select germinable seeds
Korean firs produce seeds in the female cones, but not all of them are capable of germinating. So that the propagation work does not end in disappointment, you should test the seeds beforehand.
- Harvesting cones in December
- place on a sunny windowsill to open chambers
- Remove seeds and place them in water for a day
- germinable seeds sink downwards
- Non-viable seeds float on the surface
Exposing seeds to the cold
Sow the seeds immediately after the germination test, even if the growing season is still far away. As a cold germinator, the Korean fir needs a longer period of cold to stimulate germination. These are the individual steps:
- Fill a bowl with a mixture of soil and sand.
- Spread the seeds on top.
- Only cover the seeds lightly with the soil mixture.
- Put the bowl outside.
- Keep the soil slightly moist at all times.
Tip
It will take a few weeks or even months until germination starts. During this time, birds can pick out the seeds from the soil. As a precaution, cover the bowl.
Alternatively stratify in the refrigerator
Stratification can also be done in the refrigerator at home, where the seeds are protected from unfavorable influences.
- First soak seeds in water for two days
- place in a plastic bag along with a few handfuls of sand
- keep sealed in the fridge for three weeks
- then sow and let germinate at 12 to 15 °C
Transplanting young firs
Korean firs only grow tentatively. Only after two years are the young trees strong and large enough to be planted out.
