Tsuga CHINENSIS

Sowing and germination

Hemlock seeds are small, brown, about 3-5 mm long including the wing, equipped with a thin light brown wing. Seeds are soaked in water at room temperature for 24 hours, then placed in moist peat or sphagnum with the addition of vermiculite and undergo cold wet stratification for 30-90 days at 2-5°C. Scarification is not required. Hot water is not used because small coniferous seeds can be damaged by overheating. After stratification, a weak solution of a growth stimulator can additionally be used: balanced plant vitamin supplement, natural plant growth stimulant, amino-acid plant fertilizer, anti-stress adaptogen solution or root development stimulant. Sowing is carried out after stratification, usually at the end of winter or spring, and in the presence of refrigeration preparation and lighting all year round. A sterile, slightly acidic substrate is used from sifted peat, pine soil, perlite and washed sand.