Qinghai Spruce Data Sheet

• Common name: Qinghai spruce

• Latin name: Picea Crassifolia

• Genus: Picea

• Height: 25 m

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 4–9

• Conservation status: Least concern

Picea Crassifolia, commonly known as the Qinghai spruce, is a conifer native to east Asia. Its range extends across parts of China.

This tree is generally found at medium to high altitudes, mostly from 1,600 m (5,250 ft) to 3,800 m (12,450 ft).

The Qinghai spruce is a medium sized evergreen tree reaching 25 m (82 ft) tall. The trunk diameter can exceed 0.7 m The needles are 2 cm long and start out light green in the spring, maturing to dark green later in the season. The cones are 11 cm long and purple in the spring. They take 8 months to mature and become brown.

The Qinghai spruce is closely related to the Purple cone spruce, which shares many of its characteristics.

This species is mostly used for landscaping and ornamental purposes. Used in bonsai.

Pre Germination

These seeds need no pretreatment or stratification before sowing. Fill trays or pots with quality compost and firm down gently. Spread seeds across the surface; around 25 in a 10 cm pot is ideal. Cover with 3 mm of compost and gently firm down.

Keep compost damp, not soaking wet or dried out. Place pots or trays on a warm windowsill or in a warm conservatory. Germination should occur at 1–3 weeks.

Post Germination

Once seedlings appear, keep them in a well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of damping off disease. Place in a bright location such as a windowsill. Ensure seedlings never dry out. Water logging should also be avoided; young trees hate wet feet. These seedlings are small and tough and will give you little hassle. They can be separated into their own 4" pots at 15–20 weeks; by this stage they are frost hardy and can stay outside. Fertilization is not required up to this point. During spring and summer we advise using an NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4 weeks.

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

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