Picea abies Seeds | Norway Spruce
LATIN NAME: Picea abies
COMMON NAME: Norway Spruce
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Norway Spruce (Picea abies) stands out as a tree. Needles keep deep green through year, bark stays smooth and brown on young trees, and tree grows tall and straight in cool, moist climate. It is tree of the northern forests, at home in the deep, acid, well-drained soil. It is the sort of plant that quietly justifies the space it occupies.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of the Picea group, Picea abies contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. The Norway spruce stands among great timber trees of north, and it appears throughout studies of conifer ecology and forest products. Little about its garden performance is mysterious; it has been grown and observed for a very long time.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Norway Spruce for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. The Norway spruce builds forests of north and homes within them. Strong, even-grained wood serves construction, paper and musical instruments for generations, and tree gives garden stately, evergreen structure through the year. Cones feed crossbills and squirrels, and great crown shelters wildlife beneath. Mature plants need little attention in a well-chosen position.
Spruces gave the world spruce beer, a vitamin-C antiscorbutic of explorers, and their resinous bud syrups remain a folk favorite for coughs; the timber sings in violins.
Growing from Seed
Starting Norway Spruce from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow the seeds evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, keep the sowing evenly moist, and give the pot or tray bright light. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Norway Spruce settles in quickly once it finds its footing. Even moisture while the seed is chitting is the main thing; afterwards it largely looks after itself.
Related Reading
More species in the same orbit as Norway Spruce: