Cryptomeria japonica Seeds | Japanese Cedar
LATIN NAME: Cryptomeria japonica
COMMON NAME: Japanese Cedar
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) stands out as an evergreen tree in the cypress family (Taxodiaceae). It stands cold and wet weather well, and it likes sun, and deep, moist, well-drained soil. The ratio of effort to reward here is about as good as gardening gets.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of the cypress family, Cryptomeria japonica contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. In cypress family, sugi has a long, straight record in studies of plantation timber trees, and japonica species appears in research on wet, cool-forest growth and wood properties. Gardeners benefit directly from its long cultivation: what the plant will do in a garden is well understood.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Japanese Cedar for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. In cool garden and the woodland, the Japanese cedar cones autumn with round brown fruits. Soft, blue-green needles keep stately, columnar form through year, peeling bark sheds in reddish strips, and wood serves construction, cladding and joinery for generations. It thrives in deep, moist, well-drained ground. Once settled, it thrives on neglect more than on fussing.
Japanese cedar gives fragrant, durable timber, and its pollen is famously allergenic; the leaf oil has folk use in soothing baths.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Japanese Cedar, and the process is uncomplicated. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Japanese Cedar repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
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