Which conifer is easiest to grow from seed for a beginner?

Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) are the most forgiving choices. Both germinate reliably at 18–22°C within 10–20 days without stratification. Thuja occidentalis is another low-difficulty option that tolerates variable moisture during germination.

Can I grow conifers from seed in Zone 4–5 or in the UK and Northern Europe?

Yes. Siberian larch (Larix sibirica) survives to −50°C and is reliable through Zone 1. Siberian spruce (Picea obovata), Black spruce (Picea mariana), and Korean cedar (Pinus koraiensis) are all Zone 3–4 hardy. Most pines and spruces in this collection tolerate UK and Northern European winters without protection once established.

What is the difference between spruce and fir seeds?

Spruce cones hang downward and release winged seeds; fir cones stand upright and disintegrate on the tree, so fresh seeds are harder to source. Fir seeds typically need 4–6 weeks cold stratification at 2–4°C, while many spruces germinate without cold treatment. Spruce seedlings are generally faster-growing in the first 3 years.

Can conifers be grown permanently in large containers or pots?

Mugo pine (Pinus mugo), Pinus pumila, and dwarf thuja forms are the best candidates for container culture. They remain manageable at 1–2 m over 15–20 years. Larger species like Blue spruce or Siberian larch can be container-grown for 4–7 years before requiring open ground or very large planters (200+ litres).

How long does it take for conifers to reach notable height from seed?

In the first year, most conifers reach 3–10 cm. Fast species such as Douglas fir and Norway spruce can reach 1 m in 4–5 years under good conditions. Metasequoia is among the fastest, adding 50–80 cm per year from year 3. Cedar sibirica and Korean cedar grow slowly, reaching 1 m in 8–10 years.

What is the difference between Pinus koraiensis (Korean cedar) and Pinus sibirica (Siberian cedar)?

Both are five-needle pines prized for edible seeds, but Korean cedar (Pinus koraiensis) is native to the Russian Far East, Korea and northeast China, and tolerates Zone 3 cold. Siberian cedar (Pinus sibirica) is native to the Ural mountains and western Siberia, is Zone 2 hardy, and produces slightly larger seeds. Germination for both requires 3–4 months cold stratification.

How do I choose between a pine, spruce, fir, and larch when selecting a conifer to grow?

Choose by growth goal: pines are drought-tolerant once established and suit dry or poor soils; spruces prefer moist well-drained sites and offer dense year-round screening; firs need higher humidity and are best in northern or mountain gardens; larches are the only commonly deciduous conifers — spectacular in autumn colour, extremely hardy, and fast-growing. Redwoods and Metasequoia suit milder climates or sheltered spots.

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Seeds of Himalayan Roxburgh pine (Pinus roxburghii) — 15 pcs

Oreshka seeds

H58

€

5,00

€

8,33

Roxburgh Himalayan pine (lat. Pinus roxburghii)

Roxburgh pine is one of the most beautiful species of coniferous trees. A tall evergreen tree up to 50 m high from the pine family. It has spreading branches and dark gray, uneven bark covered with cracks. The trunk is up to 2 meters in diameter. The needles are very long, 20-35 cm, yellow-green, very thin, triple.

The cones are conical, 12-24 cm long, initially green, then dark brown. They open very slowly the following year after ripening or when heated by forest fires. The seeds are 8-9 mm in length and are dispersed by the wind.

It is very photophilous, undemanding to soil fertility, but does not tolerate compaction well, and is sensitive to air pollution.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 8 (-12°C to -7°C).