Product Review

TROPICA® - California Giant Redwood (Sequoiadendron gigantea) - 50 Seeds

Worth knowing: The California Giant Redwood is the tallest living species on earth; Its volume is larger than that of a blue whale. Giant redwoods have been existing already before the Ice Age. They are therefore older than the Rocky Mountains!

Origin: Most of all, the tree is native in South California. The oldest giant redwood (2.500 years of age!), named "General Sherman", can be found in the Sequoia National Park.

Propagation: Seeds can be started indoors any time throughout the year. Put the seeds in the fridge first for 8 to 10 days, with temperatures about 6° to 8°C. Leave them to soak in water at room temperature afterwards and put them on moist seed starting soil afterwards. Since we are dealing with a plant germinating in light only, the seeds must not be covered with soil. Germination follows within 4 to 7 weeks.

Place / Light: The tree requires a moist and nutrient-rich ground. Sandy or loamy ground is possible as well. As a young plant, the Giant Redwood should be grown in a pot until its third year of growth. When planted out into the garden, the tree should be sheltered during its first winter by covering the bottom of the trunk with brushwood. The tree can also be kept as a pot plant or be cultivated as a bonsai which, of course, will limit its growth considerably in the long term.

Care: Water the young plant and pot plant, respectively, on a regular basis. Best is to "drown" it once weekly. As for dry air, you should not place the tree close to a heating.

Winter period: The California Giant Redwood is absolutely winter-hardy after its third year of growth.

Bonsai Suitability: Yes