Natural stand cone collection

Where existing seed inventories do not meet current or future seed needs, consider a natural stand cone collection. Cone crops are not plentiful each year. Cone crop assessments for seed quality and quantity should be conducted before deciding to collect cones. 

Cone crop assessments for seed quality and quantity should be conducted before deciding to collect cones. Work with an experienced cone collector—cooperate with other licensees operating in the area to optimize seed collection costs. 

Cone collection guides

• A Field Guide to Collecting Cones of British Columbia Conifers
• A Guide to Collecting Cones of British Columbia Conifers
• SPAR Seedlot Collection Area Tool Instructions
• TSC Shipping Guidelines (PDF, 1.3MB)
• There can be a correlation between cone volumes (hectolitres), seed yield and sowing requirements. For example, on average, Fdi (natural stand) will yield 34.4 potential trees (K) calculated as 415B per hectolitre (Hl) of cones. Yield information is found in the lower table of the above web link.
  • Review more yield information in the Species Averages tables

Seedlots need to be registered as per the Chief Forester's Standards for Seed Use and tested at the Tree Seed Centre before use. Seedlots can be registered online using the SPAR application.

After determining seed needs and determining seed procurement, set a budget.

• Review the fee schedule

Remember to review seed needs and the seed inventories annually. Seed inventory and its classification as either reserved or available changes frequently throughout each year with

• Registration of crops
• Deployment of seed
• New parent-tree information
• Surplus declarations