Stone Pine Tree

Stone Pine or Umbrella Pine, is a stunning evergreen tree celebrated for its distinctive umbrella-shaped canopy and its production of delicious, edible pine nuts. Growing up to 50 feet tall with a broad, spreading crown, this majestic tree creates a striking focal point in any landscape. In spring, it produces small, inconspicuous yellowish-brown blooms, which later develop into large, woody cones that take a few years to mature before yielding the highly sought-after nuts. Stone Pine Trees is resilient to drought and provides ample shade, making it a perfect choice for outdoor relaxation areas. The highly prized pine nuts it produces are a gourmet delicacy, ideal for cooking, baking, or snacking. The Stone Pine has been cultivated since Roman times and was a common sight in ancient Roman gardens and landscapes, valued for its edible pine nuts and the shade it provided. With its Mediterranean origins, Pinus pinea brings a touch of timeless elegance and a sense of tranquility to any environment.

Also Known As: Stone Pine, Italian Stone Pine, Mediterranean Stone Pine, Umbrella Pine, Parasol Pine, European Stone Pine, Pignoli Pine, Nut Pine, Italian Umbrella Pine, Pinheiro-bravo, Pino Manso, Evergreen Stone Pine

Plant Name:	Tree, Stone Pine
Latin Name:	Pinus pinea
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Years to Fruit:	5 - 10 Years
Plant Height:	40 - 65 Feet
Spread:	30 - 45 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	7-11
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 30 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds do not require pre-treatment but would benefit from soaking in cold water around 40F for 24 hours, or cold, moist stratification for 24 hours. To stratify, roll seeds in a damp paper towel and place in a resealable bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator to keep seeds at 35F-40F. After the stratification period, seeds should be ready to germinate. To germinate seeds, place the bags in a warm 70F-90F area. Check every other day. Once roots are visible, sow in moist potting soil and place in a sunny area that is at least 65F, about 1 month before the last expected frost in spring. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 65F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: To germinate seeds, soak seeds 24 hours in cold tap water around 40F and let stand prior to sowing. Plant in spring once the soil reaches ast least 65F. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 30-45 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	30-45 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	45 feet

Care During the Season:

Caring for Stone Pine throughout the season involves occasional deep watering, especially during dry periods. Young trees benefit from regular watering to establish strong roots, while mature trees are drought-tolerant and require minimal irrigation. Mulching around the base helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Occasional pruning in late winter or early spring removes dead or damaged branches, promoting healthy growth. Fertilizing once a year with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer supports steady development. Monitoring for pests and diseases ensures the tree remains vigorous, allowing it to thrive and produce its signature edible pine nuts over time.

Harvesting:

Harvest pine nuts by collecting mature pine cones from Stone Pine trees, typically in late summer to early fall when the cones turn brown and begin to open. Place the cones in a warm, dry area for several weeks to allow them to fully dry and release the seeds. Once dried, shake or tap the cones to extract the pine nuts, or manually pry them out if needed. Remove the hard outer shell by cracking it carefully with a nutcracker or rolling pin to reveal the edible seed inside. Store the pine nuts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or refrigerate them to maintain freshness.