Defective seed may also be relatively common Produces large fruit crops at irregular intervals. Fruits are ovoid to ellipsoid and contain one to three seeds. Fruit generally remains on the plant for at least 2 years, with dispersal in August of the second season. Seed dispersal by gravity, water, birds, or mammals. Digestive processes apparently do not harm most juniper seeds and may actually enhance germination.
Birds are the most important dispersal agents.
Seed of most juniper requires a specific period of rest and after ripening. High temperatures, alternating temperatures, freezing and thawing, removal of the seedcoat, or the application of hydrogen perioxide, dilute acids, carbon dioxide, or light had little influence on the germination of juniper seeds. Juniper seeds have a semipermeable and thick seed coat with a dormant embryo. The seed of common juniper requires a long germination period. First cultivated in 1560.