I've had a lot of trouble with Firs dampening off. I'd recommend you keep real good control of fungus occuring on the top of the soil the seedlings are in, spray them with an algaecide/fungicide such as Consan20 and if maybe even go so far as adding a fungicide to your poting mix. As per chilling requirements, definitely use sand (use sand for all your seed cold-stratification anyway). I buy sand in a tube, I believe it's called construction sand or brown sand, and heat up a batch at a time for 3 minutes in a microwave oven. Rotate your seeds too every week or so or every two weeks by agitating the sand in the bag and allowing fresh air into each bag for a few minutes prior to placing back into your refridgerator. It might even be an excellent idea to treat the sand and seeds with a fungicide dip as well. This is just the extra information I assume you're looking for and coincidentally you asked about Firs so I have this to share with you. Keep the sand damp but not wet. It's a gut thing.

Pinus strobiformis I assume but do no know it's germination requirements should be very easy if it is anything like Pinus strobus.

Dax

Dax, thanks for the excellent tips. I did not know that firs were more prone to damping off than other conifers, but the fungicide is a good idea. Are fungicides like Consan20 difficult to find? We have lots of big box garden centers in my area but very few specialty nurseries.

I always chill seeds in damp sand, but as you said, how much water to add to the sand is guesswork at best. I also read that you could use damp paper towels instead of sand but have not tried that yet.

Thanks again for the reply.

You're welcome.

Consan 20 is made by: Hi-Yield so it could be ordered in for you.

And... stick with the sand.

Regards,

Dax