Californian Red Fir (Abies Magnifica Shastensis) 10 seeds (#399)

It is a large evergreen tree typically up to 40-60 m tall and 2 m diameter, rarely to 76 m tall and 3 m diameter, with a narrow conic crown. Hardy to zone 6. The bark on young trees is smooth, grey, and with resin blisters, becoming orange-red, rough and fissured on old trees. The leaves are needle-like, 2-3.5 cm long, glaucous blue-green above and below with strong stomatal bands, and an acute tip.
It is a high altitude tree, typically occurring at 1,400-2,700 m altitude, though only rarely reaching tree line. The name Red Fir derives from the bark color of old trees.

Genus - Abies
Species - Magnifica
Variety - Shastensis
Common name - Californian Red Fir
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 6 - 8
Height - 50 m
Spread - 5 m
Plant type - Large Tree
Vegetation type - Evergreen
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Chalk or neutral
Soil type - Clay, Loam, Sand
Water requirements - Average Water
Landscape uses - Feature Plant, Screening / Wind Break
Leaf / Flower color - Green / --

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
A short period of cold and moist stratification (in the fridge) needed.
1. Soak the seeds in clean water for 24 hours. Fully drain away all of the water and place the seeds in a zip-lock freezer bag. Place the seeds in the fridge. Make sure the seeds during this period not dry out or are waterlogged otherwise the pre-treatment will be ineffective.
2. After 30 days of the pretreatment seeds are ready to be sown.
3. Sow in a good quality potting compost. It should be sterile and clean, never used before. Firm the compost gently, water and sow the seeds on the surface. Cover the seeds lightly (~4-5 mm) of vermiculite or sieved compost. Keep moist and at room temperature.
Germination will begin in a few weeks.