Propagation
The seeds have no dormancy period and are sown when collected in pots. In cool climates place the pots in a cold frame to germinate.

Botanic information
Leaf: The rigid dull green leaves are arranged in fascicles of 5 with deciduous basal sheath and margins that may have fine widely spaced serrations. The underside has 1 to 3 stomatic bands and the leaves are persistent for 5 to 8 years. The ovoid pointed resinous buds have yellowish-brown scales with an acute apex.
Note
The leaf length is variable and some forms of the tree produce leaves up to 140mm (5˝in) or longer.

Flower: The scarlet male catkin-like flowers are reddish becoming yellow appearing in pairs or a small cluster at the end of the branches. The purplish-brown female cones are up to 80mm (3?in) longappearing on a long peduncle during summer.

Fruit: The almost spherical female cone has a short stalk and has thickened armed scales with a pointed terminal umbo. It takes up to 2 years to mature and the cones fall intact, disintegrate from the axis and contain wingless seeds that are up to 12mm (˝in) long.


Pruning
Generally Pinus species tolerate pruning of the new growth from spring to early summer to force lateral buds to form and some cultivars may be trimmed to form a hedge.