Abies amabilis |
Native Region: Pacific Northwest Coast
Preferred Climate: Full sun; well drained acidic soils (rocky subalpine slopes to riparian drainage areas)
Harvest Date: Saturday 03 October, 2009
Seed count: 25-30
Description:
Often used as a fragrant evergreen at Christmas, but can reach massive proportions in the forest reaching up to 70 meters in 600 years (or so). Short dense needles clothe smaller branches and twigs. Huge upright purple hued cones decorate the branches on older specimens. Not known to drop its needles as leaves can be retained for 20 years or more....possibly the reason why its a good Christmas tree as it doesn't make such a mess in the house! I like my trees with roots. Grows quickly in sun, but much slower growing in dense shade.
Cultivation:
Easy. Soak seed in warm-ish water for 24 hours, cold stratify in equal parts moist sand and peat in a resealable baggie for 30 days. After 30 days, give gentle heat (15-20C) for prompt germination. Prick out and transplant as they emerge or sow stratified ungerminated seed in a deep nursery pot and put in a cold frame or somewhere warm for spouting to occur. Whatever technique you use, it needs 30 days of cold stratification for it to spout. Don't let seedlings freeze or suffer heavy mortality. Use a humus rich acidic well draining medium when growing these kids.
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