Description
Picea mariana (Black Spruce) Seeds
Zones: 2 to 6.
Native to North America.
The Black spruce shares a similar range with the White spruce, growing in the northern temperate and boreal woods. It has a straight trunk with an irregular, narrow canopy and short, compact, drooping branches with upturned tips. Its silhouette makes it easy to distinguish from other spruce species. The needle-like leaves are a dark bluish green on the upper sides, paler green underneath. Seed cones are purple-brown in colour, egg-shaped and smaller than other spruces.
It prefers a sunny site or part shade with moist, well drained soil, but can tolerate a variety of soils.
Size: Height 40 to 60 ft; Width 8 to 12 ft.
Germination Instructions
Stratification: Provide about 30 to 45 days cold, moist stratification at 3° C (37° F) to 5° C (41° F).
- Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
- Place seeds in sandwich bag(s) with a bit of damp sand or vermiculite to keep moist.
- Place the bag(s) with seeds in refrigerator for about 30 to 45 days.
- After the required time take the seeds out of the refrigerator and sow the seeds in pots 1/8 inch deep and cover lightly. Water gently so as not to wash away the seeds. Keep soil moist but not wet.
