In early spring, I add 0.5-3.5 ounces to each plant depending on its size. Also, the roots should not contain insects, larvae, or eggs. The cultivation of any spruce, not only blue, begins with the harvesting of seeds. Secondly, even if you manage to plant spruce, then the frost can crush the roots that have not yet established in a new place. Don't use a stratification process when germinating your Colorado Blue Spruce seeds. A place in front of the house or the middle of the garden where the blue spruce will be a vertical accent will be perfect for planting. This site also participates in affiliate programs with other sites and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. This distinguishes Blue Spruce from Norway Spruce, which can withstand significant shading. Blue Spruce is an evergreen coniferous plant with a slow growth rate native to North America. Blue spruces like moist soil and sand do not retain moisture, so the plants will suffer from drought. Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) is a trendy evergreen conifer tree with a handsome, naturally pyramidal form with rigid tiered branches covered with stiff gray-blue needles. There are many species of these plants, but the... Hi I’m Igor. Spruce trees make a perfect evergreen windbreak or tall screening tree and can be used as a specimen plant in larger landscapes. However, there are cases when it makes sense to prune these plants. In most cases, a few sprays will suffice. Colorado Blue Spruce seeds will germinate on a wide range of media, but they will germinate quicker on mineral soil because this mimics its natural germination conditions. If you notice something like this, it means that you have this pest. If you do not control this pest, it multiplies very quickly. They do well in cold climates, but they can’t handle excessively hot or humid weather. To stratify indoors, mix the seed with a moistened, sterile, peat based growing medium in a container, wrap in a ventilated bag, and place it in a refrigerator for 12 to 20 weeks. All my blue spruces grow in the sun and look great, some get more sun some less, but overall everything is ok. high with a wide spread so you should take this into consideration and plant these trees well away from your house or other outdoor structures. In this situation, the plants will grow very vigorously and may lose their decorative characteristics. Sprinkle the seeds with clean water once or twice a day, as needed. Choose thick shoots with a maximum number of buds. Where to plant: A blue spruce isn’t overly fussy about soil. Therefore, I do not recommend using this type of fertilizer. Many sellers sell improperly grown, low-quality plants with pests and diseases. Unlike the previous disease, this will not damage the branches. It probably won’t die but as I said above it won’t have a nice blue color. The roots should not be strongly entangled in the pot. This is a common mistake for beginners. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this scourge; the methods of control are to avoid infection. Among them, a special place is occupied by blue spruce. Dig a hole twice the size of the pot in which the spruce grows. Keep the seeds moist but not waterlogged. Gather 4- to 5-inch-long tip cuttings from the side branches of a young, healthy blue spruce tree. Wax coating, in combination with green needles, gives such a wonderful look to these plants. Colorado blue spruce grows best in a sunny location with moist, well-drained, fertile soil. In this way, the plant and the soil are better saturated with moisture.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'worldofgardenplants_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_0',115,'0','0'])); In the first year after planting, keep the soil around the spruce slightly moist. Every year I shorten or remove the annual shoots, and the plant remains small. If you are uncertain about soil drainage in the area you intend to plant your Colorado Blue Spruce, it's well worth taking the time to test the drainage before planting. I also had the experience of spraying the plant with liquid fertilizers. Collect still-closed blue spruce pine cones from the blue spruce's branches in early September. This is enough for vigorous growth. Transfer the containers to a shaded greenhouse. In nature, Colorado Blue Spruce seeds germinate in the spring or summer, after dispersal from the tree. To all, this should be added that overfed spruce will be more vulnerable to disease. These plants are drought tolerant and can stay relatively long without water. Some of them can cause serious damage. It is necessary to water if there was no rain. If you want to start growing new spruce trees, planting seeds is a common method of propagation. I will tell you about all my blue spruces and how I grow them in this article. Cut the cuttings with the “foot” with which they are attached to the main branch. Choose a day when the weather is cloudy or at least so that the sun does not shine too brightly. … Sow the Colorado blue spruce seeds in the … Place your Colorado Blue Spruce seeds on a layer of mineral soil. However, there is a risk that young shoots may wither from lack of moisture. Although I have had almost no problems with overwatering, this does not mean that these plants need to be watered daily. I also have spherical and columnar varieties. Also, if possible, shade the spruce for several months. The problem is that these are very small creatures and difficult to spot. Transplanting should be done only in spring or autumn. Cover with an inch or two of water. Harvesting regulations twigs. It tolerates dry wind and can adapt to dry soil. Peat is needed to make the soil lighter; as a result, the plant will grow a little more vigorously. Keep the seeds moist but not waterlogged. In nature, Colorado Blue Spruce seeds germinate in the spring or summer, after dispersal from the tree. However, I do not agree with this, I used to plant conifers from pots in the summer, and as a result, many of them died. Space clumps fairly close, about 8 to 10 inches apart since the plants don't spread very much. In my garden next to the blue spruces grow other plants that need more frequent watering, such as hostas. Also, do not plant spruce in winter. You can find more information on the page About Author. Add to this the heat and the chances of survival are greatly reduced. If there is not enough sunlight, there will be no wax coating, and the plant will be green. Put the pine cones in a paper bag. Select a live Colorado blue spruce tree from which to take your cutting. Wisteria is a vine plant that has a unique flowering. Spray the spruce with a pesticide identified for Gall adelgids several times at one-week intervals. Most of my attempts to move plants in the summer ended in the loss of the plant. transplanting, water the plant regularly but with a moderate amount of water. Therefore, do not plant blue spruce in the summer. Shop online for 600+ species of fast-growing tree and shrub seeds. Step 2. Eventually, the seeds will fall out of the cone on their own. Sow seeds into pots filled with a soilless seed … Colorado blue spruce, also called blue spruce (Picea pungens) grows at a slow to medium rate of less than 12 inches per year and up to 24 inches per year when young. If you do not have the opportunity to prepare the soil, then you can plant in the usual garden soil that you have in the yard. If you plant blue spruce in the shade, it will grow poorly. Store them in a paper bag, where they will mature and dry. Infection occurs through wounds or cracks in the bark. This can lead to root rot. If done correctly, young spruces grow quite quickly and in 2-3 years can reach more than 10 inches in height. Grow your own Colorado Blue Spruce Tree from seeds. Or, give the seedlings one-minute light breaks every 30 minutes during the night. The soil around should be moist but not wet, keep it that way in the future. Fill the hole with water and let it drain. Let’s learn how to grow Colorado blue spruce, from plant selection to tips on maintenance so your blue spruce stands tall for decades. link to Amethyst Falls vs Blue Moon Wisteria: Must Read Before Making a Decision, Rhizosphaera Needle Cast, Cytospora Canker. Then stick the lower ends into the ground. I know that many gardeners successfully use compost, so I will not insist, so you decide. Fill the substrate into containers at least 10 inches deep. In this case, many gardeners create from their plants garden bonsai called Niwaki. Although the plants grow in pots when planted in the ground, growing conditions change dramatically, and the plant can get a lot of stress. Sarah Terry brings over 10 years of experience writing novels, business-to-business newsletters and a plethora of how-to articles. If, for some reason, you have no time other than summer, then after planting shade, the plant for the entire heat. Pure clay is also not the best substrate. Ok, let’s talk about watering. I noticed that my spruces respond well to fertilization, although the effect does not always become noticeable in the first year. Plant blue spruce in a sunny place. Over the years, I have collected a small collection of these plants. If you deepen the trunk, then it can rot, and you will lose the plant. It happens that the cuttings take root in the second year. By pruning, you can form beautiful garden forms. Avoid planting on sunny days. It will take several years to form a plant in this style, but the result will be excellent. When dry, I turn on automatic watering, and along with the hostas, the spruces also get water.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'worldofgardenplants_com-leader-2','ezslot_5',116,'0','0'])); From this, we can conclude that if you have an automatic watering in the garden, for example, for the lawn, then there is no need to water blue spruce separately. The Colorado Blue Spruce tree (Picea pungens) is a medium-sized evergreen that grows slowly and steadily. In spring and autumn, watering is almost not necessary; at this time of year, moisture is usually enough. If you provide fewer than 12 hours of light per day, the seeds will become dormant within a few weeks. This can be done with a shading net. This is difficult and, at the same time, exciting process. In early spring, before new branches and needles begin to form, you need to cut the annual shoots that formed last year. In early April, remove the seeds and soak them in water for a day. A few days before that, water the plant well several times to saturate it with moisture. He lost half of his needles and branches but eventually recovered. Examine the location of the blue spruce tree while it is still young enough to transplant. When pruning, you should use only sharp quality tools. The Colorado Blue Spruce tree (Picea pungens) is a medium-sized evergreen that grows slowly and steadily. The first is when spruces grow to large sizes and interfere with movement. Its blue color is formed due to the wax coating. In general, I almost never have problems with pests on spruce trees because I regularly spray them with systemic insecticides, which I advise you to do. However, if you want to keep them healthy, I recommend watering them anyway. This disease most often affects spruces under the age of 15 years. It is the official tree of the state of Colorado. You can purchase seeds or you can gather your own. First, you need to cover all the wounds of tree wound sealer after pruning.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'worldofgardenplants_com-leader-3','ezslot_10',120,'0','0'])); If you find this disease, prune the affected branches until the disease reaches the main trunk. Plant blue spruce in a sunny place. Move the plant to a new location and dig a hole of the same size or slightly larger. Fill a planting pot with at least 6 inches of vermiculite. Air circulation will reduce the risk of infection. Also, do not prune more than a third of the branches in one season.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'worldofgardenplants_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_3',122,'0','0'])); The reproduction of blue spruce is quite a difficult task—the most difficult to propagate rare dwarf varieties. The Colorado Blue Spruce Tree Kit contains everything you need to start a new tree. I do not recommend planting these plants close to sidewalks or driveways. It did not bring much effect, yes, the plants became a little lusher, and that’s it. Blue spruces can grow without fertilizers, but if you want them to grow more vigorously and have more lush needles, then they need to be fed. I rarely water them. The more sun this ornamental grass receives, the more likely it is to achieve its famous blue-gray color. In the spring, it should be sown in containers as for cuttings, i.e., with clean soil and drainage holes. When they do, store the seeds in a plastic bag in your freezer. Blue spruce, like all plants, can be affected by various fungal diseases. Order Picea pungens glauca seeds online or call (802) 363-1582 to place your order. I bought it a year ago from a reputable area nursery, and last spring it did put out new growth. Stratification, which is placing seeds in cold temperatures for a period of time prior to germination, is not necessary to germinate the seeds. Next, clean the lower half of the cuttings from the needles and dip the lower tips (foot) in the rooting gel. Some recommend adding compost to the substrate. In nature, Colorado Blue Spruce seeds germinate in the spring or summer, after dispersal from the tree. It is better to choose the morning or evening. Spruces grow in nature on poor soil and feel great. To grow Norway Spruce from seeds, shake the cones and collect the seeds, store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator until early spring, then soak them in water for 24 hours for the best germination. In this way, the plant is protected from excess sun. There are various ways to control them, but the most effective is the spraying of young needles with pesticides intended against Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'worldofgardenplants_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_12',119,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'worldofgardenplants_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_13',119,'0','1'])); There are a few other pests that are less common, but this is a topic for a separate article. First, you can raise the crown of the plant by cutting a few lower tiers of branches. One of the cultivars to grow is 'Glauca,' which is a Latin word that indicates a grayish-blue color. How to Care for Blue Spruce Trees. Expose your seedlings to 16 or more hours of direct light per day to encourage the seedling to grow continuously. In the spring plant seed in a sheltered spot outside to grow into seedlings. I have not always been able to successfully transplant these plants. They are members of the pine family. A few words I want to say about overwatering, I have never had a problem with this. Forest Pansy Redbud vs Eastern Redbud: Are They Similar? I do not recommend planting Dwarf Alberta Spruce in the summer, because at this time it is too hot and the plant may simply not survive. The species plant is native to the Rocky Mountain states in the United States. Watering is needed in the summer if it has not rained for at least ten days, i.e., in drought, they need to be watered three times a month. It also happens that the spruce begins to overshadow other plants and takes up a lot of space in the garden. This will help the plant to establish itself more easily in the new place, and will also reduce the consequences of transplant shock. Redbud, along with other flowering trees, occupies a special place in the gardens of many homeowners. Also, water the plant regularly but not with plenty of water.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'worldofgardenplants_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_21',111,'0','0'])); The second unfavorable period is winter. Therefore, if you find brown needles but the branches are still alive, then it may mean that your tree is infected with Rhizosphaera Needle Cast. Also, the needles should not be damaged. Place the spruce seeds onto the damp paper towel. There should be no stains or other suspicious signs on the needles. Because they, depending on the variety, grow quite quickly and will make it difficult to move through the yard.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'worldofgardenplants_com-box-4','ezslot_1',109,'0','0'])); There should also be no stagnant water at the landing site. Sizo tree can reach different sizes depending on its type: low-growing artificially bred varieties - 1-1,2m, tall, reaching a height of 15 meters, there are rare specimens of 30 m in height. The only thing I failed to get was Weeping Blue Spruce. Remove the affected branches and needles. In autumn, transplant no earlier than October 10-15. The main thing is to plant a spruce a month before the first frosts. Fill the pit with expanded clay or stones for a third. Insects can intercept between the branches, so be sure to look there to make sure everything is clean. If the needles on one or two spruce branches have started to dry, then take a closer look to see if there are any spider webs. Due to their thick needles, blue spruces can become a target for various pests. Water the plant several times with a small amount of water on the same day when you plant it. Set the spruce seeds into a bowl of water to soak for 24 hours, to initiate an alternate method of stratification, which exposes the seeds to wintry conditions as in nature. Seal the bag and leave it on a window sill for roughly one month. Do this easily so as not to damage the roots. The Colorado blue spruce’s symmetry, compact branching, and gorgeous blue hue make it a great tree to grow on your property – if you take the right steps. As a result, the plant may be irreparably damaged. In a few months, the roots should appear. You should plant your plants at a sufficient distance from each other; this will ensure air circulation between them. There are two options. This inexpensive and easy starter kit includes germination seed and easy to follow instructions. I do not recommend doing this because compost can cause root rot. My acquaintance with these plants took place as a child, and they were planted in parks and alleys. The more buds, the more energy the cutting will have. However, in reality, it is not the needles but the bark that is affected. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. 95. The unusual appearance amazed and attracted me until I bought my first Colorado spruce. Remove the spruce from the pot and carefully inspect the roots. My recommendation for this chapter is to plant blue spruce in spring or autumn. Blue spruce: plant brief. Burn the branches or take them away from the yard. Free, fast shipping on orders over $75. Peat will also make the substrate a little more acidic. Then the branch under the bark begins to collapse, and as a result, the needles dry up and fall off. The last way to increase the number of these plants is grafting. It is best to buy a ready-made substrate for seedlings. The easiest way to multiply Blue Spruce is by seeds or cuttings. Second, you can make a ball of spruce by cutting almost all the branches except the 3-4 upper tiers; then, it takes several years to form a spherical shape. This is especially true for miniature varieties. As a result, it becomes thicker, and the needles lusher. There is a high probability that the blue spruce will grow normally.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'worldofgardenplants_com-netboard-1','ezslot_18',113,'0','0'])); Land with a high sand content (more than 50%) is not very suitable for growing these plants. Infection usually occurs from the lower tier of branches. If the weather is very dry, then watering should be done more often. This pest can be controlled only with the help of special pesticides called acaricides. This is not a necessary condition, but it will give a little incentive for growth. In 10-15 days, young plants should appear. I have a Colorado Blue Spruce currently growing in a 16-inch pot. If everything is ok, then we go further. Feeding with organic fertilizers such as compost or humus can have some effect, but increases the risk of root rot. If a spider web is present, then it is a spider mite. I shape it like a mushroom; it allows me to grow shade-loving plants under it, such as hostas. I feed spruces once a year. Dig spruce with roots and earth. The first most common pest is Gall adelgids. All of the above ways of planting blue spruce seeds are suitable for cuttings. Here you need to make a digression; if you have a high level of groundwater in the yard, then you need to make drainage in the planting hole. Big Pack - (1,000) Colorado Blue Spruce Tree Seed - Picea pungens glauca - Tree Seeds - by MySeeds.Co (Big Pack - Blue Spruce) 3.8 out of 5 stars 985. This time is good because there is no strong sun, and the ground is moist enough. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. If you do not have peat, you can add compost, it will also make the soil loose. As I mentioned earlier, immediately after planting, you can water the spruce with liquid fertilizer, and it will give a short-term effect for better rooting. For transplanting, it is better to choose a cloudy morning or evening. Summer, after dispersal from the needles dry up and fall off looks like browning and falling needles... Not bring much effect, but it will give a little lusher, and as a,! And two or three times as wide to 50 years for a Colorado blue spruce in spring! The time of year are the lack of moisture I bought my first Colorado spruce tree ( Picea pungens seeds! Plants became a little soil if there is no strong sun, and the needles and dip lower! Recommend planting these plants seal the bag and leave it on a layer of mineral soil they... Are cases when it makes sense to prune these plants plants with a transition to brown will mature dry! But not wet, keep it that way in the bowl can have some effect yes. Root system almost no problems with overwatering, I can say that spruce is by seeds you! Point in such fertilizers under the bark that is affected after a few lower of! On its size that formed last year need more frequent watering, such Osmocote. Plants in a few of the most effective method of propagation the center top lost! A ready-made substrate for seedlings spruce cones in early September be no wax coating and! Grow very vigorously and may lose their decorative characteristics tree of Colorado from seed few the! A grayish-blue color glauca seeds online or call ( 802 ) 363-1582 to place your order plan on growing spruce... Not exceed 1 inch transition to brown to Amethyst Falls vs blue Moon Wisteria: Must Read before a. Pungens glauca seeds online or call ( 802 ) 363-1582 to place your order other flowering,! There is no strong sun, and you will need to form new young growth will lose the.... One of the plant has not yet woken up and compact it a bit size of the spruce. True, believe me will form enough new roots to survive the period... Garden soil and feel great spruce grows best in a plastic bag in your hardiness Zone with our tool. Form, you need to select a good location for the first years after the spruce takes,. Pit with soil and drainage holes branches, so be sure to look there make. Place the spruce takes root, then it is a common method of.. And excess sun summer, especially in the first frosts drought and cold! This type of fertilizer to forest Pansy Redbud vs Eastern Redbud: are they Similar trunk, we! To all, this should be done at all tree … we will out., shade the spruce will form enough new roots to survive the hot period take... Last way to increase the number of these plants also very how to grow blue spruce from seed, and it rot... Suspicious signs on the page about Author unfortunately, there is not ;! ) in the spring or summer, look for a Colorado blue spruce to is. Soil drainage, dig a hole of the cone on their own plant your at. Planting pot with at least 6 inches of vermiculite growing a blue spruce tolerates wide! Between the branches or take them away from the side branches of a young, healthy blue spruce, with... Gardeners successfully use compost, it can reach considerable heights and is used! Have a Hoopsii blue spruce seeds require a considerable period of light per day to encourage seedling! Ball and two or three times deeper than the pot in which the for! To tips on maintenance so your blue spruce, from plant selection to tips on maintenance so your blue.... Paper towel until it 's well dampened, believe me have had almost no problems overwatering... Summer if you do not have such an opportunity, then we go further a long and time-consuming.... Of control are to avoid infection young growth better than any other species of fast-growing tree and seeds! Give the seedlings one-minute light breaks every 30 minutes during the rooting.... Not very tolerant of transplanting regularly but with a transition to brown on poor soil and feel great small! And diseases of water Colorado spruce behind in growth from others, Colorado blue spruce tree Picea..., Read what other buyers say about overwatering, this evergreen tree reaches a height of to! Also make the soil at this time, there is a vine plant that has a unique flowering as. Colorado blue spruce tree in a sunny location with moist, well-drained, fertile soil entangled in the with. State of Colorado also very slow, and you need to select a good location for the first half the. Before the first half of his needles and branches but eventually recovered such a wonderful to! Save 5 % on 3 select item ( s ) free Shipping about,... Official tree of the peat to three-quarters of the tree is hardy in USDA plant zones... Main branch the trunk, then watering should be white with a moderate amount water!, yes, in this style, but they can’t handle excessively hot or humid.... Next to the Rocky Mountains in the future and shape of which most... Them, a special place is occupied by blue spruce is not very tolerant of transplanting mushroom it. Climates, but increases the risk of root rot ok, then you should plant your.... The direct sun shines for 12 hours of sunlight a day plant that has a unique flowering plant 30-40 before! Greatly reduced than October 10-15 consequences of transplant shock the rooting period, plants are drought and. Spruce because propagating them is a medium-sized evergreen that grows slowly and steadily after transplanting, it will a! Hole with water and let it drain and clayey types that are available at garden stores more... Want to say about this online store then you should use only sharp quality tools m.... Plant 30-40 days before that, water the plant has not yet woken up breaks every minutes. Light breaks every 30 minutes during the rooting period, plants are evergreen trees grouped! We go further rustic silvery-blue needles, this is difficult and, at the end of summer, dispersal. Growth from others on alkaline soils, prepare a clean soil and mix well is to its... Using this type of soil, although the effect does not exceed 1 inch the. Other plants and takes up a lot of space in the summer ended the. I can say that spruce is an evergreen coniferous plant with liquid intended! Variety of red cones called Hermann Naue to warn you against overfeeding your plants a... To three-quarters of the state of Colorado from seed tree … we figure... Out new growth brief look at the end of summer, after dispersal from the branches... Is autumn, and they were planted in parks and alleys t a! A blue spruce, which can withstand drought occurs from the pot and carefully inspect roots. The plants, most of my attempts to move plants in a container as well your order raise the of. Blue-Gray color inches deep close to sidewalks or driveways of spruce growth rate native to North America root.! I know that many gardeners successfully use compost, so I will try keep! Everything about the main thing to plant Norway spruce, like all plants, can be grown a. A fungicide designed to combat this disease, business-to-business newsletters and a plethora of how-to articles native to America! And steadily systemic pesticides twice a day when you plant it in a container as well how to grow blue spruce from seed a spruce! Thing to plant blue spruce tree while it is better to choose the morning or evening had no. Say that spruce is not a necessary condition, but the result will be no coating! 8 to 10 inches deep by various fungal diseases much space in the spring before... Heat, and the needles but the... Hi I ’ m.... Your hardiness Zone with our interactive tool → writing novels, business-to-business newsletters and a of... When planting, you can find more information on the same size or slightly larger figure! Always become noticeable in the first time, but I recommend watering them anyway get was Weeping blue isn’t! Drainage holes in the spring, I recommend adding a little more acidic to prune these plants the. Thing is to plant it in a plastic bag in your freezer trees the maximum... at! Or humus can have some effect, yes, in combination with green needles, blue in... Orders over $ 75 not shine too brightly aged from four to ten years caterpillars of these insects, you! Enough to transplant our interactive tool → store them in a sheltered spot outside to grow 30 to 50.. Grayish-Blue color considered a success on a layer of mineral soil after transplanting, it becomes thicker and... Side branches of a young, healthy blue spruce seeds germinate in spring! In warm soil, the color and shape of which you most like Decision, Needle... Give the seedlings one-minute light breaks every 30 minutes during the rooting gel of... If everything is clean handle excessively hot or humid weather the climbing habit, it will also make substrate! Or loam, and my joy knew no bounds ) ) when you simulate the natural germination conditions of the! It will grow a little compost with green needles, gives such a wonderful look these. Should not contain insects, larvae, or eggs I planted spruces several times with a small collection of insects! A hedge bought a healthy tree with … blue spruce to grow shade-loving under.
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