Germination Pre-soak the seed for 16 hours in alkalized water, or, for 3 - 4 days in warm water (use a thermos). Two months cold stratification may speed up germination. Plant 3/4" deep at 80°F. Keep damp (cover pot with plastic sheet) and provide bright light. The germination is variable and can be slow. Scarification / Stratification This will break their dormancy. It creates a cold and moist environment for the seeds. Mixed in seeds with slightly moistened vermiculite or peat, only damp in a ziplock bag. Close zip bag shut and store it in the salad crisper compartment of your refrigerator. If any seeds begin to sprout during the cold stratification, simply remove the seed and plant.

• Pistacia chinensis also known as Chinese Pistachio is from Anacardiaceous family. Native to central and Western China. This ornamental tree grows up to 35'H and 25'W and his crown is quite round and symmetrical. This tree can also be cultivated as a Bonsai.
• . Bark develops ridges, becoming gray scaly plates that flake exposing salmon-orange inner bark. Rather unorganized growth habit in youth, becoming uniform and handsome with age. Some staking and pruning are necessary to produce a decent trunk. Very easy to grow and transplant. A deciduous tree with odd pinnate, 5-6 pairs of 9 inches long narrow-pointed leaflets. The leaves are lustrous and dark green in summer and a beautiful orange to red in the fall.
• The onset of color is conspicuously nonsynchronous on the Pistacia chinensis. Small red drupes are produced on the female trees, finally turning china blue, so that both colors can be seen at the same time. By early April the pistachios leaf buds are still ignoring the advent of spring, but they are distinguishable from the adjacent ashes by conspicuous pollen cones.
• Hardiness zones: 6-9, (-20°C/-5°F, -5°C/25°F). It grows quickly, in full sun to partial shade. Prefers well-drained soils and will withstand heat and drought extremely well. Very easy to transplant. Has no insect problems and has well behaved roots.

Pistacia chinensis also known as Chinese Pistachio is from Anacardiaceous family. Native to central and Western China. This ornamental tree grows up to 35'H and 25'W and his crown is quite round and symmetrical. This tree can also be cultivated as a Bonsai.