I have a brand new book - and I can tell you what to do. I hope you're a very, very patient person, though!

"Pick a fresh cone in late autumn, dry it in a light and airy place until the fleshy part falls away. Then soak the rest in warm liquid detergent for two days. Remove all the flesh and dry the seeds. Mix them with damp vermiculite and place in the fridge in a plastic bag for two months. In early spring, sow the chilled clean seed in pots. Cover with compost and place under protection at 20 degrees. They should germinate in 5 - 7 weeks. Keep the young plants frost free.

They won't flower for 10 - 15 years."

Do you still want to have a go after all that palaver? I certainly won't be trying to grow them...well, you did ask! lol.

I know what you mean, don't think I will bother life's to short but thanks for the advise and info.

I agree. It's a bit like not bothering to stuff mushrooms, if you remember that quote! LOL.