Sitka Spruce (Picea Sitchensis) 20 seeds (#480)

Sitka spruce is the third tallest conifer species in the world and perfectly adapted to conditions in Pacific Northwest gardens. This species is native to the temperate rainforests of the west coast of North America ranging from Alaska southward to northern California. Their forests are concentrated just a short distance inland from the coast, which illustrates a strong preference for cool temperatures and moist maritime air. This is a narrowly conical tree that grows columnar with age. Irregularly distributed branches reveal a great percentage of the trunk. The needles are short and stiff, blue green above and grey beneath.
Sitka spruce produces long, thin tan colored cones with spirally arranged scales. These are located near the top of the tree and ripen in a single growing season. This tree is an excellent candidate for reforesting coastal sites and to create erosion control coverage where there has been large scale soil disturbance. It’s also a useful problem solver where soil and salt air or spray eliminate less alkaline tolerant conifers. (Learn2Grow.com)

Genus - Picea
Species - Sitchensis
Common name - Sitka Spruce
Pre-Treatment - Not-required
Hardiness zones - 5 - 8
Height - 100'-150' / 30 - 46 m
Spread - 20'-40' / 6 - 12 m
Plant type - Large Tree
Vegetation type - Evergreen
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Clay, loam, sand, well drained
Water requirements - Average
Leaf / Flower color - Blue Green / --

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Soak the seeds in room temperature water overnight.
2. Sow seeds 3 mm (1/8") deep in the moist soil. Keep in a partially shaded place. Water occasionally, so that the soil is always slightly moist.
Seed will sprout in three to eight weeks. For one year, keep seedling in partially shaded place. Water occasionally, so that the soil is slightly moist.
After one year, transfer the seedling to a gallon-sized vase or larger, maintaining a balance of dry, clean soil and mulch. The seedling may now be kept in full sun. Continue watering occasionally, so that soil is slightly moist.