Norway Spruce Tree Seeds | European Spruce | (Picea abies)
Norway Spruce Tree Seeds | European Spruce | (Picea abies)
Europe's most planted conifer. The world's most famous Christmas tree.
Picea abies, the Norway Spruce, is one of the most widely planted and dependable evergreens in the world. Known for its sweeping, pendulous branches and dense dark green needles, it creates immediate presence in the landscape while delivering long-term function. Fast-growing, cold-hardy, and highly adaptable, it excels as a windbreak, privacy screen, wildlife shelter, and timber tree across a wide range of climates and soils.
- Fast-growing evergreen reaching impressive height quickly
- Dense, drooping branches ideal for windbreaks and privacy
- Extremely cold-hardy, thriving in zones 2–7
- Produces large cones that support birds and wildlife
- High-quality timber valued for centuries
Things You Probably Didn’t Know
It stands in Trafalgar Square every year.
Since 1947, Norway has gifted a Norway Spruce to the United Kingdom each year as a symbol of gratitude, where it becomes London’s iconic Christmas tree.
One individual has lived since the Ice Age.
A Norway Spruce known as Old Tjikko has a root system estimated at over 9,500 years old, making it one of the oldest living trees on Earth.
It built the world’s finest instruments.
Norway Spruce wood was used by Stradivari for violin soundboards due to its exceptional acoustic properties, still prized today.
It creates its own winter shelter.
Mature trees form dense, snow-shedding canopies that provide protected space underneath for wildlife during harsh winter conditions.
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Picea abies
- Stratification: Recommended; 30–60 days cold stratification
- USDA Zones: 2–7
- Soil: Well-drained, moist, slightly acidic; tolerates poor or sandy soils
- Light: Full sun
- Height: 40–80 feet
- Spread: 25–30 feet
- Growth Rate: Fast (1.5–2.5 ft/year)
Plant it where you need height, density, and permanence. A tree that has been sheltering things from the wind since before history was written.
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.
