Tree Seeds- European Silver Fir, Arborvitae

European Silver Fir - fast growing and frost hardy, native to European mountains. Grows up to 67m (220ft) and prefers moist soil. Suitable for most soils except alkaline ones.Ideal for sunny spots and can grow in semi-shade or deep shade.

Large conifer tree with straight trunk, dark green needle-like leaves, and white undersides. Suited for climates in USDA zones 4 to 8, must cold stratify seeds for a month after sowing. Valuable for timber, construction, paper manufacture, and essential oils.

Seeds of the true fir species are relatively easy to germinate and grow. The dormancy within the seed is short and easily broken. This is achieved by a short period of cold stratification in the fridge.

You can do this by first soaking the seeds in 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, it is important that during this period that the seeds do not dry out or are waterlogged otherwise the pre-treatment will be ineffective. After between 6 and 8 weeks under these conditions the seeds are ready to be sown. In general, the seeds will fail to germinate unless treated in this way, simply sowing untreated seeds in compost at room temperature will not break down the dormancy and germination will be disappointing.
Fill your chosen container with a good quality general potting compost. Suitable containers could be plant pots, seed trays or plug trays or even improvised containers with drainage holes. Firm the compost gently and sow the seeds on the surface. If you are sowing in plug trays, sow 2 or 3 seeds per cell. Cover the seeds with a couple of millimeters of vermiculite or failing that a fine layer of sieved compost. Follow with a gentle watering and keep them at room temperature.
Germination will begin a few weeks from sowing. The seedlings are reasonably robust and trouble free and usually grow to a height of between 2 and 5 cm in the first growing season depending on the sowing date and cultural techniques. Densely sown seedlings are at risk from fungal diseases such as “damping off” which can cause rapid loss of many seedlings.
New seedlings need full sun, regular watering, and weed management. Repot as needed during dormancy and plant in permanent location after 3 years.