Sitka Spruce Data Sheet

• Common name: Sitka spruce

• Latin name: Picea Sitchensis

• Genus: Picea

• Height: 91 m (299 ft)

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 2–8

• Conservation status: Least concern

Picea Sitchensis, commonly known as the Sitka spruce, is a conifer native to the western USA. Its range extends from Alaska to California.

This tree is generally found at low to medium altitudes, mostly from 100 m (328 ft) to 1,900 m (6,230 ft).

The Sitka spruce is a giant evergreen conifer, reaching a height of 91 m (299 ft). The trunk diameter can reach a staggering 5 m (16 ft). The bark is formed with thin circular plates and is grey. The needles are a waxy dark green colour and 2.5 cm long. The cones are 10 cm long and hang from the branches. The immature cone colour ranges from red to green, turning light brown at maturity. The cones contain winged seeds.

It can live up to 750 years.

The Stika spruce is closely related to the Quinault spruce, which shares many of its characteristics.

This is a fast growing species highly valued for timber and paper production. The wood has been used to make musical instruments, including violins and pianos.

You will need a very large garden for this tree. Be sure to plant well away from buildings and infrastructure.

Pre Germination

These seeds need no pretreatment or stratification before sowing. Fill trays or pots with quality compost and firm down v. 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 tiny but sturdy 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 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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