How to Grow a Cedar Tree: Helpful Tips and Secrets

Cedar is one of the most striking members of the Pine family, possessing remarkable cold resistance and healing properties. Designers often use this tree as a decorative element in parks and offices, as it grows very quickly, and its scent relieves stress and anxiety. Grow up cedar can be made from a simple seed, it is only important to plant the chosen species correctly and take good care of its seedlings.

Which species is best to grow?

The cedar grows in the eastern and southern Mediterranean regions, where it can withstand temperatures down to –27°C. It grows most rapidly between 15 and 25 years of age, reaching a height of up to fifty meters, compared to only 25–35 centimeters in the first five. This makes it an excellent ornamental tree due to its size and rapid growth.

First, you need to understand for what purpose the plant will be grown, and what type of plant best complements the environment.

1. Cerdus libani—the Lebanese species—is characterized by slow growth and increased cold tolerance, growing well in alkaline soils and full sun. It differs from other species by its dark green needles (there is a variety with turquoise needles) and conical crown. It is ideal for ornamental plant enthusiasts, as the seedlings are not very thorny and are very bushy.
2. Cedrus deodara, or deodar, is distinguished by its pleasant aroma and spreading crown with soft, light-green needles. This species is more suitable for those who prefer tall trees than ornamental plantings, although there is a cultivar called "Pygmy" that grows to just 30 centimeters.
3. The Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) doesn't tolerate low temperatures, and its branches easily break under heavy snow loads. The Atlas cedar is quite demanding and loves full sun, but it will reward its patient owner with its beauty, which varies depending on the variety.

Features and tips for growing cedar

Many people often confuse cedars with Siberian pine, Canadian arborvitaes, and Alaskan cypress, which actually belong to different families and have distinct appearances. This plant is typically found as a decorative ornamental on city borders, and as mature trees in some parks. The tree's cones secrete resin, so when planting, you don't have to worry about rodents eating the seeds.

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If you're planning to plant a cedar, you first need to decide whether to germinate from seeds or transplant a seedling. In both cases, follow a few general guidelines:

1. The soil should not have a high acidity level, as Pine trees are very susceptible to chlorosis.
2. It is important to choose the right planting location, as some varieties do not tolerate wind and excess light well.
3. The most favorable time for growing and transplanting is autumn, since the plant is accustomed to cold conditions.

You have to be quite patient with seeds:

1. The selected seeds should not have an unpleasant odor or stains on the surface, and their age should not exceed two years.
2. Cedar seeds are easily affected by fungus, so they need to be soaked in a 5% potassium permanganate solution for two hours.
3. Afterwards, place the future plants in water for three days, renewing the liquid every day.
4. Next, mix the nuts with damp, clean sand and place them in a cloth bag or a wooden box with holes for air circulation. Refrigerate the package of seeds for six months, storing them at 5–6°C, and moisten the sand regularly.

After six months, the nuts are ready to plant. When planting, use natural sandy soil, planting the seeds one centimeter deep. Store the pots indoors at 21°C, occasionally taking them out into the sun. Seedlings should appear within a month of planting, and they can soon be transplanted into the soil. During the warmer months, transfer the seedlings to the light to acclimate the plants to the sun's rays, but do this gradually.

Eight months after planting, the seedlings can be transplanted into the soil. Space the seedlings closely. During their first years, cedars are very fussy, preferring shade. Mature seedlings need to be fertilized and mulched (sprinkle fallen needles around the base of the trunk).

Adviсe

Avoid replanting cedars older than three years, as they have a difficult time establishing themselves in new soil and often die. When planting a sapling, choose a shady spot deep in the garden or among trees. Garden soil is typically less suitable for growing such plants, so it's recommended to fertilize monthly and mulch the plantings every spring. Himalayan and Lebanese varieties are the most winter-hardy.

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When transplanting seedlings, you should follow a few simple rules:

1. It is worth choosing a young sprout, with a root system that is not yet dry, otherwise the seedling may not take root.
2. Young seedlings are very sensitive, so it is important to handle their root system with care.
3. Plants should be replanted with a lump of dirt on the roots, as this contains beneficial microorganisms.
4. In the place where the seedlings will be planted, it is recommended to dig holes and sprinkle them with sand and sawdust.

To reduce the need for fertilizer, you can plant mycorrhiza mushrooms such as butter mushrooms or milk mushrooms nearby. Cedar needles can be used to make a tea; drinking it 2-3 times a day improves circulation and nervous system stability.