Lijiang Spruce (Picea Likiangensis) 20 seeds (#57)

The fastest growing spruce. New growth is bright green and highlights the violet cones. Foliage matures to dark green while the cones will mature to rich brown.
Lijang Spruce is nonetheless a magnificent tree and suitable for both garden and bonsai culture.
Likes abundant moisture at the roots, if grown in drier areas it must be given a deep moist soil. Tolerates poor peaty soils. Tolerates various sites. Succeeds in wet cold and shallow soils but is not very wind-firm in shallow soils.
Prefers a pH between 4 to 6. Dislikes shade. Intolerant of atmospheric pollution. Resists wind exposure to some degree. Although dormant trees are cold-hardy, the young shoots in spring are often damaged by late frosts. In some upland areas, especially over granitic or other base-poor soils, growth rate and health have been seriously affected by aluminium poisoning induced by acid rain.
Plants are strongly outbreeding, self-fertilized seed usually grows poorly. They hybridize freely with other members of this genus.
Fairly fast growing after a slow start, trees can average height increases of 30 - 40cm a year. Trees should be planted into their permanent positions when they are quite small, between 30 and 90 cm.
Larger trees will check badly and hardly put on any growth for several years. This also badly affects root development and wind resistance.
Information source: pfaf.org.

Genus - Picea
Species - Likiangensis
Common name - Lijiang Spruce
Pre-Treatment - Not-required, but recommended
Hardiness zones - 5 - 7
Height - 20-30 m
Spread - 6 m
Plant type - Large Tree
Vegetation type - Evergreen
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral
Soil type - Loam, sand, well drained
Water requirements - Average, drought tolerant
Landscape uses - Feature Plant, Hedges, Screening / Wind Break
Leaf / Flower color - Green / --

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Soak the seeds in room temperature water overnight.
2. Place a 8 cm (3") layer of dry soil, such as peat moss or clean sand, in a small vase. Sow seeds on the surface, cover lightly.
3. Keep in a partially shaded place. Water occasionally, so that the soil is always slightly moist.
Seed will sprout in three to eight weeks. For one year, keep seedling in partially shaded place. Water occasionally, so that the soil is slightly moist.
5. After one year, transfer the seedling to a gallon-sized vase or larger, maintaining a balance of dry, clean soil and mulch. The seedling may now be kept in full sun. Continue watering occasionally, so that soil is slightly moist. (info source: eHow.com)