Corsican Pine Data Sheet

• Common name: Corsican pine

• Latin name: Pinus nigra Maritima

• Genus: Pinus

• Height: 55 m (180 ft)

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 4–7

• Conservation status: Least concern

Pinus Nigra Maritima is commonly known as the Corsican Pine, is a conifer native to southern Europe. Its range extends across Spain, Corsica and Cyprus. There are cases of this tree in North Africa also.

This tree is generally found at low to medium altitudes, starting at sea level to 2,000 m (6,600 ft).

The Corsican pine is a large evergreen tree reaching a height of 55 m (180 ft). The needles are stiff, arranged in pairs and are 15 cm long with a light green colour. The cones are 8 cm long with thick scaling. Each scale has a spine on the end which covers a single winged seed. The cones take around 18 months to mature, starting life with a green colour, maturing to light brown. The bark is a light grey colour and forms flaked plates with age.

The Corsican Pine lives up to 500 years.

The Corsican pine is closely related to the Austrian pine (Pinus Nigra), which all share many of its characteristics.

The lumber is used in construction grade plywood and for telegraph poles.

This species is used in commercial and private gardens as a landscape tree. Suitable for bonsai.

Pre Germination

These seeds need no pretreatment or stratification before sowing. Fill trays or pots with quality compost and gently firm down. Spread seeds across the surface; around 25 in a 10 cm pot is ideal. Cover with 3 mm of compost and gently firm down.

Keep compost damp, not soaking wet. Never allow it to dry out. Place pots or trays on a warm windowsill or in a warm conservatory. Germination should occur at 1–3 weeks.

Post Germination

Once seedlings appear, keep them in a well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of damping off disease. Place in bright conditions; a windowsill is ideal. Ensure seedlings don't dry out. Water logging should also be avoided; young trees hate wet feet. These seedlings are large and sturdy and will give you little hassle. Seedlings can be separated into their own 4" pots at 15–20 weeks; by this stage they are frost hardy and can stay outside all year. Fertilization is not required up to this point. During spring and summer we advise using an NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4 weeks.

CAUTION: Slugs and snails love juicy young pines and spruce. Mice and blackbirds will destroy seeds and seedlings.

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