Nikko Fir (Abies homolepis) 10 seeds (#824)

Abies homolepis is an evergreen tree with a narrow, conical crown.
It can grow up to 40 m tall with a straight, cylindrical bole that can be 150cm or more in diameter. It is widely grown as an ornamental in Europe and Asia.
Abies homolepis is a plant of the cool, humid temperate zone, where it is found at elevations up to 2,000 m.
Prefers a good moist but not water-logged soil. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Very shade tolerant, especially when young, but growth is slower in dense shade.
Prefers slightly acid conditions down to a pH of about 5.
Growth is fairly good, averaging around 30cm per year for at least the first 100 years.

Genus - Abies
Species - homolepis
Common name - Nikko Fir
Pre-Treatment - Not-required
Hardiness zones - 4 - 7
Height - 40 m
Plant type - Tree
Vegetation type - Evergreen
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Acid, neutral
Soil type - Clay
Water requirements - Average

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 6-8 weeks of the pretreatment seeds are ready to be sown.
3. Sow in a good quality potting compost. It shoudl be sterile and clean, never used before. Firm the compost gently, water and sow the seeds on the surface. Cover the seeds lightly (~2 mm) of vermiculite or sieved compost. Keep moist and at room temperature.
4. Germination will begin in a few weeks.