Sequoiadendron giganteum, known as giant sequoia, has the most massive
size of any tree in the world. It is an erect, single-trunk (often buttressed
at the base), needled evergreen conifer that is native to groves scattered
through montane coniferous forests along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada
Mountains (4500-8000 feet in elevation) in central California. In its native
California habitat, mature trees will often grow to 200-275’ tall, produce
trunk diameters ranging from 15-20’ and weigh 200 or more tons. Trees may live
2000-3000 years. Young trees have a pyramidal-oval shape. As trees mature, they
begin to lose branches from the lower part of the trunk. Trees generally
feature attractive dark cinnamon-brown bark (with deep furrows and ridges),
small, scale-like, appressed, blue green needles and fruiting cones to 2.5”
long. Trees may be planted in the eastern U.S., but typically will grow to only
40-60’ tall. Giant sequoia was originally discovered in 1833 by Zenas Leonard.
A very large percentage of giant sequoias in California are now protected in
parks, including Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Sequoiadendron
giganteum and its close relative, Sequoia sempervirens (redwood),
are jointly designated as the State Tree of California. Other common names are
big tree and giant redwood. Best grown in moist, deep, loose, well-drained,
sandy loams in full sun. Tolerates some light shade. Grows best in cool, moist
climates with consistently high moisture levels. In its natural habitat, this
is a very large tree that needs a very large space. In the right climate, young
trees make attractive additions to large gardens.
Growing Instructions
The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in
the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to
simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year.
1. Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a
refrigerator for 10 weeks.
2. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Fill a pot with a mixture
of equal parts potting soil, sand and compost. Water the mixture so that it is
moist but not wet.
3. Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
4. Water the container and leave it to drain.
5. Put the pot in an area that is in light shade.
6. Water the pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet.
7. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.
Paul (verified owner) –
Easy to grow beautiful
Hayden (verified owner) –
They arrived very fresh and not bruised. They were delicious.
Mason (verified owner) –
WOW!! Not one dud in the bunch!! Shortly after planting they started growing ! These are really great packet of seeds!!!
William (verified owner) –
I was happy about the quick delivery and that the seeds actually sprouted within 7 days
Tyler (verified owner) –
Very fast delivery.