PICEA abies 5g

Picea abies, the Norway Spruce is the most wildly used spruce used as a Christmas tree in Europe. More tolerant of hot weather than many conifers the Norway Spruce displays an attractive pyramidal habit with pendulous branchlets are also a very attractive feature of this spruce.

Stunning red cones decorate the tree during the months of spring. Forms the largest cones of any spruce 9–17 cm long.
The blue-green foliage and symmetrical growth habit makes this an ideal pot plant or specimen tree. Fast growing in cool to moderate climates.

The tallest Norway Spruce was recorded at is 62.26 m (204 ft) in Slovenia but are typically much smaller in cultivation.

Also popular in the art of bonsai.

Prefers a rich moist soil well drained soil in a sunny position but will also tolerate part shade.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C

Germinates readily without pre-treatment but will generally give improved rates with cold stratification.

Cold stratification is recommended. 
Cold treatment may not be critical for germination to occur in colder regions but should give increased germination rates in warmer climates.

This can be replicated by cold stratification in the refrigerator for 4 weeks. Alternatively over wintering in the garden in cold climates will assist germination.

1. Soak in water overnight.
2. Sow seed the depth of the seed width.
3. Water with fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
4. Ensure the mix is moist but not water logged.
5. Place the container in plastic bag.
6. Place the bagged container in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks.
7. Germination generally occurs in 14-28 days when moved to warmer temperatures after the period of cold treatment.

General note: Seeds of many species of plants are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.