Italian Stone Pine, Umbrella Pine Pinus pinea - Pinus maderiensis, Pinea esculenta, Pinus fastuosa, Pinus sativa

Detailed Listing For
Botanical Name:

Pinus pinea

Family:

Pinaceae

Genus:

Pinus

Species:

pinea

Common Name:

Italian Stone Pine, Umbrella Pine

Seeds Per Pound:
483
Quantity:
8.56 lb
Germination:
91%
Germination Test Type:
Cut (Full Seed)
Purity:
99%
Height:
40-60 feet
Collection Locale:
Italy
Crop Year:
2023
Minimum Hardiness Zone:
8
In Stock: 8.56 lb
Prices
Growing Info, follow in order:
Scarification: Soak in water, let stand in water for 24 hours.
Stratification: None required, but a cold stratification of 6 weeks improves germination.
Germination: sow seed 1/2" deep, tamp the soil, mulch the seed bed.
Other: Germination should occur in 10-21 days.
In a Nutshell:
* The (Italian) Stone Pine (or Umbrella Pine ) ( Pinus pinea , family Pinaceae ) is a species of pine native to Southern Europe , North Africa and the Levant in the Mediterranean region . This tree has been exploited for its edible pine nuts since prehistoric times. It is also a widespread horticultural tree, besides being cultivated for the seeds. more...
* Often flat-topped and asymmetrical, 6" bright green stiff needles, cones about 5", 1/2" edible seeds (pignolia nuts), native to northern Mediterranean.
* The cones open on ripening or up to a year later, invariably shedding all the infertile basal scales to allow the fertile scales to open more widely, the large seeds are dispersed by birds, mainly Cyanopica cyanus (azure-winged magpie), and in the last 6,000+ years, by humans, which has considerably extended the pine's distribution. more...
* The seed are edible raw or cooked. They are rich in oil and have a soft texture with a hint of resin in the flavour. It makes a delicious snack and can also be used as a staple food. The seeds are often added to ice cream, cakes, puddings etc. They can also be ground into a powder and used as a thickener and flavouring in soups etc. more...