Pine Nut

$29.99

Pinus pinea (Pine Nut Tree, Umbrella Pine)

Pine nuts are incredibly hardy and can be grown almost anywhere. Often grown for the first 4-5 years in a container so it can be used as your annual Christmas tree. It can take up to 8 years for the tree to be mature enough to bear the cones. The cones take two full seasons to mature and are ready to harvest when they have turned brown. Stack the cones in the sun to dry and open. Remove seeds by hand and crack the shells removing the kernels. (Harvest is generally in Autumn). Self fertile.

Pine nuts can be eaten fresh, sprinkled on salads, or used in pies. Pine nuts are an essential component of pesto and are frequently added to meat, fish, and vegetable dishes.

As an ornamental tree, the plant possesses fine, silvery-green needles with a flat, wide spreading form in maturity. Evergreen. Attractive, deep red-grey bark. Slow growing to approximately 6m high x 5m wide in 10 years.

Full sun to partial shade in drier soils. Suits sand and coastal conditions.

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