10 Chinese Pistachio Tree Seeds
(Pistacia chinensis)
Fast Fall Colors
The Chinese pistache tree (Pistacia chinensis) is often used for landscaping in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9. This tree requires no fertilizer and is drought-resistant once established. It is perfect for large and medium-sized yards but may overpower smaller spaces. chinensis also known as Chinese Pistachio is from Anacardiaceous family. Native to central and Western China. This ornamental tree grows up to 35’H and 25’W and his crown is quite round and symmetrical. This tree can also be cultivated as a Bonsai. Bark develops ridges, becoming gray scaly plates that flake exposing salmon-orange inner bark. Rather unorganized growth habit in youth, becoming uniform and handsome with age. Some staking and pruning are necessary to produce a decent trunk. Very easy to grow and transplant. A deciduous tree with odd pinnate, 5-6 pairs of 9 inches long narrow-pointed leaflets. The leaves are lustrous and dark green in summer and a beautiful orange to red in the fall. The onset of color is conspicuously nonsynchronous on the Pistacia chinensis. Small red drupes are produced on the female trees, finally turning china blue, so that both colors can be seen at the same time. By early April the pistachios leaf buds are still ignoring the advent of spring, but they are distinguishable from the adjacent ashes by conspicuous pollen cones. Hardiness zones: 6-9, (-20°C/-5°F, -5°C/25°F). It grows quickly, in full sun to partial shade. Prefers well-drained soils and will withstand heat and drought extremely well. Very easy to transplant. Has no insect problems and has well behaved roots.
Pistachio Germination:
1) Cold stratify by placing in the fridge for 2 months mixed with wet peat moss.
2) Soak for 3 to 4 days in alkalized warm water. Keep in a thermos.
3) Keep damp, covering pot with a plastic sheet in bright light.
4) Use a heated propagator to keep the soil 80 degrees F.
5) Mist frequently so the soil stays moist.
6) Germination is erratic and may take several months for most, while a few may sprout within weeks, so patience is required.