SEQUOIA sempervirens

The California Redwood is the world's tallest tree growing up to 115 metres (178ft) tall with a trunk up 9 metres (29ft) in diameter. It is also a very long-lived tree in the wild, living for 1200-1800 years or more.

Grows naturally along a narrow strip of land approximately 750 km long and 8-75 km wide in coastal California from Montery County to Southwestern Oregon.

Grow notes:

Cold stratification is optional for this species.
These seeds are not actually dormant but will generally germinate faster and more even if given a cold stratification for up to 60 days in the refrigerator.
This can be replicated by cold stratification in the refrigerator or alternatively over-wintering in the garden in cold climates will assist germination.

The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C

1. Sow seed on the surface of a porous seed raising mix. The seed will lodge in the pores of the mix once watered.
2. Sprinkle a very light covering of the seed raising mix over the seed if required to hold the seed in place. Do not bury seed deeply.
3. Water with fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
4. Ensure the mix is moist but not waterlogged.
5. Place the container in a plastic bag.
6. Place the bagged container in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks.
7. Place in a warm shaded or semi-shaded position to avoid dying out.
8. Keep warm & moist, avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
9. Germination generally occurs in 14-28 days when moved to warmer temperatures after the period of cold treatment.

General note: Seeds of many 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.