Update on germinating Leucospermum cordifolium and Metasequoia glyptostroboides.

As of this evening, two of the Leucospermum cordifolium (Nodding Pincushion) seeds have germinated. What remains of their seed's outer shell is very hard, which makes me appreciate the hydrogen peroxide solution that they soaked in prior to planting. This solution, only about 1%, breaks down a clear (and presumably tough) outer coat on the already tough shell. The two seedlings are robust, though slow-growing.

Metasequoia forest in Cretaceous Montana. Artwork by Julius T. Csotonyi.

Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood), on the other hand, appears to a far more delicate, tender seedling, though looks can be deceiving. The tallest of these seedlings is about a centimeter tall. As of this morning, only two of the seedlings have uncurled into an upright, vertical position; the remainder are still curled toward the soil, slowly unfurling upward. The protocol for germinating Dawn Redwood seeds is various and, occasionally, contradictory. I used an amalgamation of the commonest advice from reputable online sources, mostly adhering to the protocol published by Forest Research, a division of the Forestry Commission UK titled "Seed storage and pretreatment for Metasequoia glyptostroboides" (I've included the link here; also note their downloadable Raising Trees and Shrubs from Seed at the bottom of the page). I started by using a damp soil blend of 1:1:1:3 peat moss, perlite, sand, and potting soil in plastic pots, planting the seeds on the surface and covering with a dusting of fine potting soil. After planting the seeds, I placed each of the pots in ziploc bags in the refrigerator. These remained in the refrigerator for approximately five weeks, a shorter time than Forest Research recommends. Once I removed the pots from the ziploc bags, I placed them in a sunny window facing to the west. I've kept the soil damp (water from beneath) and misted the soil surface one to two times daily. Our house (as well as our climate) is far from humid, which is why I've suspected that misting the soil surface might be necessary. Thankfully, mold has not been an issue for me with this method, but I think that has more to do with clean seeds and soil, a shorter period of cold-stratification in the ziploc bags, and Colorado's typically low humidity.

What remains to be seen is how well Metasequoia glyptostroboides tolerates our seasonally xeric climate...and if I have room for such a potentially large tree in our narrow yard!

Finally, if you like Julius T. Csotonyi's paleoart in this post, you can check out his many works and purchase prints through his website here. He has some amazing artwork!