Seedlings establish on mineral soil exposed by fire. Best conditions are a fine sand seedbed, thin moss or litter, partial shade, abundant precipitation, and a water table within 4 ' of the soil surface. Seedling height growth increases with increasing light. Usually takes 4-10 years to reach 4.5 '. Thereafter, height growth may average 1' per year.
Cones develop over two growing seasons.
After development begins in midsummer, cones become dormant until the following spring. Pollination occurs in late May or early June, and cones continue to grow until late summer. Fertilization occurs the following summer, approximately 13 months after pollination. Cones ripen in early autumn and seeds are dispersed in October and November. Germination occurs the following spring or early summer.