Oak Summit Nursery
Blue Spruce Seeds (Picea pungens) - Zone 3 - 50+ Seeds
Blue Spruce Seeds (Picea pungens) - Zone 3 - 50+ Seeds
Blue Spruce, scientifically known as Picea pungens, is a majestic evergreen conifer native to the Rocky Mountains of the United States. Renowned for its striking blue foliage and symmetrical form, this tree typically reaches heights of 50 to 75 feet, sometimes growing as tall as 150 feet. The tree has a slow to moderate growth rate and a lifespan of 150-600 years. Blue Spruce has bluish-green pointed needles about 1 inch long and a trunk diameter of around 5 feet. It produces pale brown cones approximately 4 inches long.
This tree thrives in humid canyon bottoms, steep mountain ranges, and mid-montane forests at high elevations. It prefers cool and humid climatic zones where the annual precipitation mainly occurs in the summer. The Blue Spruce is hardy in USDA zones 3-7, tolerating winter temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C). However, it struggles in regions with hot summers and requires adequate moisture and shade to prevent heat stress.
Cold Hardiness Zone: 3
Seed Source: CO, USA (Zone 4 - 5)
Stratification: Blue Spruce seeds require about 30 days of cold, moist stratification at temperatures of 3°C (37°F) to 5°C (41°F).
Planting Instructions: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours, then place in a bag with moist sand or vermiculite. Refrigerate for 30 days before sowing 1/8 inch deep in well-draining soil. Keep soil moist but not wet, and provide full sun for optimal growth.