Jezo Spruce Data Sheet

• Common name: Jezo spruce

• Latin name: Picea jezoensis

• Genus: Picea

• Height: 30 - 50 m

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 2–7

• Conservation status: Least concern

Picea jezoensis, commonly known as the Jezo spruce, is a conifer native to east Asia. Its range extends across China, North Korea and Siberia.

This tree is generally found at low altitudes, mostly from 100 m (325 ft) to 1,300 m (4,250 ft).

The Jezo spruce is a large evergreen tree growing up to 50 m (164 ft) The trunk diameter can exceed 2 m and the bark is scaled and dark grey. The needles are a waxy dark green and 2 cm long. The cones hang from the branches and are 7 cm long. Immature cones are purple to dark brown, changing to light brown at maturity. Cones contain winged seeds.

The Jezo spruce is closely related to the Sitka spruce, which shares many of its characteristics.

This tree is used in timber production and often cut down illegally.

Jezo Spruce makes a good specimen tree for large gardens and is occasionally used for bonsai.

Pre Germination

These seeds need no pretreatment or stratification before sowing. Fill trays or pots with quality compost and firm down gently. Spread seeds across the surface; around 25 in a 10 cm pot is ideal. Cover with 3 mm of compost and gently firm down.

Keep compost damp, not soaking wet or dried out. Place pots or trays on a warm windowsill or in a warm conservatory. Germination should occur at 1–3 weeks.

Post Germination

Once seedlings appear, keep them in a well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of damping off disease. Place in a bright location such as a windowsill. Ensure seedlings never dry out. Water logging should also be avoided; young trees hate wet feet. These seedlings are small, fast growing and sturdy and will give you little hassle. They can be separated into their own 4" pots at 15–20 weeks; by this stage they are frost hardy and can stay outside. Fertilization is not required up to this point. During spring and summer we advise using an NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4 weeks.

CAUTION: Slugs and snails love juicy young pines and spruce.

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