🌲 Pine: Growing Guide
Pine (Pinus) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at −30 to 40 °C (−22 to 104 °F) in soil with a pH of 4.5–7.0. Space plants about 600 cm (236 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Pinus |
|---|---|
| Category | Shade Trees |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 600 cm (236 in) |
| Soil pH | 4.5–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | −30 to 40 °C (−22 to 104 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Height | 500–4000 cm (197–1575 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | |||||||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Plant out | ||||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Plant out | ||||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | |||||||||||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Plant out | ||||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Mar–Apr.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Mar.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Apr–May.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Mar.
Watering
Water about every 10 days in summer and about every 30 days in winter. Hardy, little water.
Growing tips
Aleppo pine (Greece) and Pinus pinea (stone pine, edible pine nuts). A conifer.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Pine: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Mar–Apr. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr.
Pine: how often should I water it?
Water about every 10 days in summer and about every 30 days in winter. Hardy, little water.
Pine: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 600 cm (236 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 5 cm (2 in).
Pine: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Pine: which plants grow well with it?
Oak, Cedar.
Pine: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Pine processionary, Bark beetle.
Plan your garden
Add Pine to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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