Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)
Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)
Coastal strength. Towering grace. The spirit of the Pacific Northwest.
Picea sitchensis, the Sitka Spruce, is a legendary evergreen native to the cool, misty coasts of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Renowned for its towering height, shimmering blue-green needles, and resilience against wind and salt, it’s a symbol of endurance and natural beauty—ideal for reforestation, windbreaks, or coastal landscapes.
- Tall, stately evergreen with dense, symmetrical branching
- Blue-green needles that shimmer with silver highlights
- Extremely hardy and fast-growing—thrives in cool, moist climates
- Valued for its strong, lightweight wood used in boats, instruments, and aircraft
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Picea sitchensis
- Common Name: Sitka Spruce
- Germination Rate: 96%
- Harvest Year: 2019
- Source Location: Washington, USA
- Stratification: Recommended (30–60 days cold stratification; full instructions included)
- USDA Zones: 6–8 (tolerant to Zone 5 with moisture and shelter)
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic soils; thrives near coasts and river valleys
- Light: Full sun to light shade
- Height: 100–180 feet
- Spread: 20–30 feet
- Growth Rate: Fast
Grow Sitka Spruce seeds to cultivate one of the tallest and most majestic conifers on Earth. Its silvery needles, rapid growth, and enduring strength make it a cornerstone tree for restoration, timber, and legacy landscapes.
FAQ
Can Sitka Spruce be grown from seed?
Yes. Seeds germinate best after a short cold stratification period and grow rapidly under cool, moist conditions.
How fast does Sitka Spruce grow?
Young trees can grow 1–3 feet per year in ideal coastal or mountain climates with steady moisture.
Is Sitka Spruce good for inland planting?
Yes, but it performs best with high humidity and consistent rainfall. In drier regions, it prefers partial shade and mulch to retain soil moisture.
Evergreen Seed Co. provides premium, viability-tested conifer seeds for growers, reforestation projects, and collectors nationwide. Each seed lot is freshly harvested, germination-tested, and packaged with detailed stratification and planting instructions for reliable results from seed to soaring spruce.
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.
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