Wow, am I ever getting complaints about all those spruce cones. There seems to be an unbelievable bumper crop of cones both in trees and on lawns this spring. Their abundance has been quite a topic of conversation, at least in my circles. It is coneucopia!
Here is the science as near as I can figure. What you are seeing are not cones produced this winter. This means the mild temperatures and lack of snow this past winter had nothing to do with their appearance or numbers. The cones come from buds that were formed last year.
That means if something unusual is occurring, it is as a result of whatever the tree underwent in the winter of 2013-14 or last summer. Of course, spruce trees produce more cones every other year, anyhow, so it is hard to tell if this year's crop is a result of some sort of stress experienced last year. It could be simply normal, which I think it really is.
One thing that has caught so much attention is that the spruce cones are all at the top of the tree, most the top third. Why is this?
Actually, there is a really good reason. They are there so the tree won't self-pollinate its own cones. Pollen from spruce comes not from cones, but from tiny buds you probably never gave much notice unless you hit one when it was laden with the stuff. These are located in a zone distinctly below the cones so the pollen will blow to the neighbor trees and not mix as much with its own cones, which it would if the buds were located above the cones.
This is pretty amazing. Spruce trees are not dumb. Fortunately, they can take care of themselves without our having to germinate and get them growing. Which brings up the second question. Are the trees OK or do all these cones indicate the tree knows something is wrong and is ensuring future survival of its species?
Take a look around. There are new tip buds on almost all of the spruce trees that are now holding cones. They look healthy so don't let the cones get you down.
As for all those spruce cones that are on the lawn? Simply run them over with the mower. They wont hurt the grass. They are not full of terpenes as are spruce needles and don't appear to be full of things that will hurt the lawn. In fact, they make great microbe food once ground up. If you have a non-motorized mower, this may be the one time you want to borrow the neighbor's power mower or rent one.
OK, so once pollinated by a neighbor, seeds develop under the scales of the cones. Normally, these cones would fall to the ground, as they are doing now. Some seeds would go through squirrels and be buried in middens. Some would germinate the following spring and others won't for up to several years. This is how spruces ensure survival over time. You will find a new seedling here and there about your yard. You can transplant them at your will.
It is not easy, but you can also germinate spruce seeds. If you put a fall cone that is just opening up (it is too late for this batch) in an unlidded jar, it will dry and the seeds will fall out. You can plant these seeds outdoors in the fall with limited success or increase your chances of having a tree farm by soaking the seeds in warm water (use a thermos bottle) for a day. Then put them in layers of vermiculite in a closed Ball jar or plastic tub. Keep this in the refrigerator for three months.
Seeds should be germinated in native soil, with some from the root area of an existing spruce tree to give it the right microflora. A large Styrofoam cup with a drainage hole poked in the bottom is a great starting container. Roll seeds in ectomycorrhizal fungi from a commercial mix before planting, of course.
Baby your seedlings. They will need feeding with a bit of organic fertilizer, perhaps. The needles will tell you if they yellow. Keep the soil slightly moist. Give them light; you can grow them outdoors. Transplant them up and, finally, plant them where you want them for the next 40 years. Then remember how many cones there were this spring and ask yourself why you needed to start some more spruce.
Jeffs Alaska Garden Calendar
Alaska Botanical Garden gala: The Alaska Botanical Garden fundraiser is the best party of the year. June 24, 5:30 to 8 p.m. You must get tickets to attend (www.alaskabg.org). There will be child care available. This is also the dedication and opening of the newest garden, the Heritage Garden.
Sawflies: The worms on your gooseberries are sawfly larvae and not caterpillars. Bt won't kill them. Spray with a soapy water. Shake the bushes. Squish by hand.
Stalk: Delphiniums, hollyhocks.