Spanish Fir (Abies Pinsapo) 10 seeds (#786)

Abies pinsapo (Spanish fir) is a species of fir native to southern Spain and northern Morocco. Related to other species of Mediterranean firs, it is considered the Andalusian National Tree, and is native to the Andalusian mountains.
Abies pinsapo is an evergreen tree growing to 20–30 m tall, with a conic crown, sometimes becoming irregular with age. The needles are 1.5–2 cm long, arranged radially all round the shoots, and are strongly glaucous pale blue-green, with broad bands of whitish wax on both sides. The cones are cylindrical, greenish-pink to purple before maturity, and smooth with the bract scales short and not exserted. When mature, they disintegrate to release the winged seeds.
Spanish fir, despite the best conservation and reforestation efforts that have greatly increased its abundance, still has several threats such as fires, urban projects, erosion, excessive visitors and tourists, etc.
Best grown in moderately rich, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun. Trees tolerate neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Trees may grow poorly in heavy clay soils. Trees are native to mountain slopes and generally have better tolerance for hot and dry conditions than many other trees in this genus.
Information sources: www.missouribotanicalgarden.org, en.wikipedia.org.

Genus - Abies
Species - Pinsapo
Common name - Spanish Fir
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 6 - 7
Height - 50-90' / 15 - 30 m
Spread - 15-30' / 4-9 m
Plant type - Tree
Vegetation type - Evergreen
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Loam, fertile, well drained
Water requirements - Average Water
Landscape uses - Interesting landscape specimen valued for its needles and attractive shape.
Bloom season - Non-flowering
Leaf / Flower color - Green / None

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.