25 Seeds Afghan Pine, Mondell Pine, Lone Star Christmas Tree ,Pinus Eldarica The Afghan Pine is becoming a very popular choice as christmas trees stock in the Southern and Southwestern US. It's also used widely as a windbreak or shelterbelt tree. They also use this tree for protection in the wind tunnels in the SW US because of it's durablity. It has a rapid growth rate at about 3-6 feet a year. It's a symmetrical pine tree that becomes somewhat rounded with age. It's cones are a true cone shape that are about 5-7 inches long. It's a counterpart to the Virginia Pine and thrives in alkaline soils. It's branches are very sturdy and has soft needles and a pleasure fragrance. It's also called Desert Pine, Mondale Pine, Elder Pine, and Eldarica Pine among other names. It ranges in height from 30 to 50 ft, but can reach 75 feet and it gets to about 15-25 feet in width. It's hardy to zone 7. It prefers moist, well drained soils but tolerates drier soil very well. Adaptable to a wide range of conditions. Full sun is prefered. Water availabilty determines it's growth rate. Recommended Planting Instructions: Scarification: Soak in water, let stand 24-36 hours. Stratification: Cold stratify for 30 days. Germination: Sow seed 1/4" deep, tamp soil, and mulch seed bed. Can also be sown in fall for spring germination. Other: Also can be soaked for 48 hours, change water each day, then plant.