Cedar Tree Seeds, Eastern White Cedar
(Thuja occidentalis) Evergreen. Zones 3-7.
Arborvitae is majestic in size and full of wonderful health benefits. Latin for Tree of Life, its potent resin and vitamin rich foliage were used by Indigenous Peoples and early settlers in North America to treat scurvy.
Commonly known as Eastern or Northern White Cedar, Arborvitae has flat, lacy sprays of aromatic needles, emerald green and gold in colour, striking against the red-brown bark. Clusters of small bud-like cones transform from green to nutmeg brown when mature. It grows in a pyramid shape and typically reaches 30 feet tall.
Slow growing and easy to care for, Arborvitae, with their dense evergreen foliage, make excellent hedges or living privacy walls in the garden. It grows happily in average, well-drained soil, but does not tolerate dry conditions and prefers full sun.
Indigenous Peoples used all parts of the tree for their health benefits but also for buildings boats, totem poles, baskets and clothing. Arborvitae essential oils are a powerful cleansing and purifying agent.
Unfortunately, due to over-harvesting, White Cedar is now very rare here on the East Coast.
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Cold Hardiness: Zones 3 - 7
Edible: Medicinal
Size: Medium Tree
Growth Rate: Medium - Slow
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Native Plant: Yes
Germination: 50 - 70%
Sun requirements: Full Sun - Partial Shade
Soil Requirements: Moist, well draining.
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GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
- Soak Seeds 24 hrs. Follow with 60 days cold, moist stratification. For more information on stratification, check out our article "How To Stratify Tree Seeds".
*If you are doing the cold period in your fridge, please check on your seeds. 60 days is an estimate & they may sprout sooner!*
- Plant stratified seeds in pots or a nursery bed using standard potting soil. Heat mats are NOT required & can hinder germination!
- Protect young tree seedlings from slugs, cutworms & rodents. Slugs especially can eat primary leaves as soon as they come up, so be vigilant!
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Available direct from Incredible Seeds, a Canadian Heirloom and Heritage Seed Company, offering only the best natural, non-GMO, open pollinated and untreated seeds, located in Mi'kma'ki / Nova Scotia.
