Giant Sequoia Tree Seeds (Sequoiadendron giganteum)
Giant Sequoia Tree Seeds (Sequoiadendron giganteum)
The largest living thing on Earth. Grown from a seed smaller than an oat flake.
Sequoiadendron giganteum, the Giant Sequoia, is the largest tree by volume on the planet and one of the most awe-inspiring organisms you can grow. From a seed no larger than an oat flake rises a tree capable of living for millennia and reaching staggering size. Native to California’s Sierra Nevada, it has proven surprisingly adaptable in cultivation, thriving well beyond its original range while maintaining the same massive presence and longevity.
- Largest tree by volume on Earth
- Cold-hardy beyond its native range, thriving in zones 6–9
- Produces cones that can remain on the tree for decades
- Extremely long-lived, with some trees over 3,000 years old
- Thick, fire-resistant bark protects mature trees from damage
Things You Probably Didn’t Know
Fire helps it reproduce.
In the wild, heat from fire helps open cones and prepares the soil for seedling establishment, making fire part of its natural lifecycle.
It thrives far from California.
Giant Sequoias have been successfully grown in Europe since the 1800s, with large specimens now established across the UK and beyond.
The bark protects it for centuries.
The thick, fibrous bark resists fire and damage, allowing mature trees to survive events that would destroy most other species.
Some individuals predate recorded history.
Many Giant Sequoias were already standing when ancient civilizations were just beginning, making them among the oldest living witnesses on Earth.
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Sequoiadendron giganteum
- Stratification: Recommended; 30 days cold stratification, surface sow (light required)
- USDA Zones: 6–9
- Soil: Well-drained, moist, slightly acidic
- Light: Full sun
- Height: 100–200 feet in cultivation
- Spread: 25–35 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate (1–2 ft/year when young)
Plant it with full knowledge of what it will become. You are starting something that will still be here long after everything else you built is gone.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
