How to raise a cypres tree from its cones

I have not tried growing Cypressus from seed before, but I have grown Pinus sp. For those, I put the cones on a window sill, where they dried out and eventually released their seed. I then sowed in pots of compost outdoors. I suspect they will need a cold period to break the seed dormancy. Perhaps someone else will have more info?

Do as Sid suggests to gather the seed. Sow in late winter in a pot, only just covering the seed with grit, and place in a cold frame, or put the pot in the fridge for 3 weeks. After the cold treatment it will germinate in 1 - 2 months once the temperature is 20C, which you should be able to provide. The seedlings are prone to damping off so should be kept somewhere well-ventilated. Plant out in autumn.

Seed germinates very well, but best not expect any to start until growth begins on similar trees outdoors.. Slugs, snails and birds all love young seedlings.

Thanks a lot to all of you! I think that will help. I have already put the cones into the fridge. I'll let you know how it is going with the germination in due course.

Best wishes

I think you need to extract the seed from the cone and sow it before you put them in the fridge ;-)

Yup no point in putting the complete cone in the fridge.