How to Grow Pinyon Pines

Pinyon pines are a group of species in the genus Pinus that produce edible nuts instead of the inedible seeds found in the pinecones typical of other species. They are native to the American West, where they once formed an important part of the diet of the inhabitants there. These trees usually grow to less than 30 feet in height and produce small, rounded cones. Growing these trees will provide you with an annual crop of pine nuts. The small size and bushiness of these trees also enables them to contribute positively to the look of your yard.

Spade
Pinyon seeds
Tree tubes (one per tree)
Large pot
Sandy soil
Soil from beneath pine stand

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a pot with a very well-draining soil, such as river sand or pumice. Plant a few seeds in the soil and keep it slightly moist. Do not overwater, as this will cause the seed to rot. Do not apply any kind of fertilizer.
- 2
  Keep the pot in an area -- either indoors or outdoors -- that is between 62 and 66 degrees F. If it is not yet warm outside, a greenhouse would be the best place for this. Pinyon seeds are somewhat difficult to germinate, but keeping the seeds in this temperature range improves their chances of growing. If they are kept below 50 degrees they will become dormant, and if kept at a temperature higher than 77 degrees, germination will be difficult.
- 3
  Watch the pot carefully for germination of the pine seeds. If more than one seed germinates, thin the seedlings until you have the desired number of trees. Water occasionally, but do not apply too much water.
- 4
  Locate an area of your growing space that has somewhat sandy, well-drained soil. Pinyon pines should be planted away from areas that require regular irrigation (such as lawns). Good locations include berms and other raised areas. Pinyon pines are accustomed to growing in areas with low levels of rainfall. The area should also have filtered shade for much of the day.
- 5
  Collect several pounds of soil from beneath a local stand of pines. Dig a hole in the intended location for the pinyon large enough for the soil from the pot and the soil you have collected. Place the collected soil in the hole. This soil contains mycorrhizal fungi, which will help the trees to collect important nutrients from the soil.
- 6
  Place tree tubes (one tube for each plant) into the ground where the trees will be planted. Plant the seedlings inside the tubes. Do not damage the seedlings' tap roots, and ensure that they are pointed straight down into the soil. Water the tubes once a week or more (if soil is dry). Keep the trees in the tubes for approximately a year, until the following spring. Keep leaves out of the tubes.
- 7
  Carefully remove the tubes. The tree is now mature enough to grow without protection. Water the tree infrequently but deeply for the next three years. After this time period, the tree generally will be able to survive on rain and water from the ground. At no point will fertilizer be needed.

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