Engelmann Spruce Data Sheet

• Common name: Englemann Spruce

• Latin name: Picea Englemannii

• Genus: Picea

• Height: 65 m (213 ft)

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 2–8

• Conservation status: Least Concern

Picea Englemannii, commonly known as the Englemann spruce, is a conifer native to the northern United States. Its range extends across Alaska and Alberta.

This tree is generally found at high altitudes, mostly from 900 m (2,950 ft) to 3,600 m (11,800 ft).

The Englemann spruce is a medium to large evergreen conifer, growing to 65 m (213 ft) in extreme cases. The bark is dark brown with round scales. The trunk diameter can exceed 1 m. The needles are 3 cm long with a dark green colour, some trees have bluish green needles. The cones are dark red or purple when immature, maturing to a light brown colour. Cone ripening takes 7 months.

The Englemann spruce is closely related to the Sitka spruce, which shares many of its characteristics. This species is very cold hardy.

This species has many uses, ranging from, paper making, construction timber and musical instruments. Lesser used for Christmas tree production.

Pre Germination

Englemann Spruce seeds need no pre treatment or stratification before sowing. Fill trays or pots with a good quality compost and gently firm down the surface. Spread the seeds (not too many) across the surface, around 25 seeds in a 10cm pot is ideal. Cover seeds with 3mm of compost and gently firm down.

Compost should be damp all the time, not soaking wet. Never allow to dry out during the germination process. Place pots or trays on a warm windowsill or in a warm conservatory. Germination should occur between 1 - 3 weeks.

Post Germination

Once your Englemann Spruce seedlings appear, you should keep them in a well ventilated area to reduce the risk of damping off disease. Place in bright conditions, a bright windowsill is ideal. Keep moist, make sure to avoid the seedlings totally drying out. water logging should also be avoided, young pines, Firs, Cedars and spruce hate wet feet. Englemann Spruce seedlings are small and sturdy and will give you little hassle. Seedlings can be separated into their own 4" pots after around 15 - 20 weeks. By this stage, they are frost hardy and can be moved outside in the colder months. Fertilization is not required up to this point. During the spring and summer months, we advise using an NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4 weeks.

CAUTION: Slugs and snails love juicy young pines and spruces.

Back to Evergreen seeds

Back to storefront