Aristocrat among the conifers - blue spruce, planting and caring for a young beauty

Please tell us in detail about such a plant as a blue spruce, planting and caring for it in the central strip have any peculiarities? I ordered a seedling in the nursery, they should bring it the other day, in the catalog there was already quite a decent tree more than half a meter high. Where is it better to plant a spruce, how is it with the requirements for lighting, do you need a lot of light or can it live in partial shade? And also frost resistance interests, because we have cold winters.

Its lush forms and the original color of the needles distinguish this type of conifers from other similar crops. The noble beauty blue spruce, planting and caring for which have their own characteristics, really looks very chic and even fabulous. Fluffy twigs with many blue needles look especially decorative and contrasting in winter, against the background of a snow cover. In order for such a Christmas tree to take root and grow actively, it needs the right place and competent care.

Blue spruce - planting and care

The evergreen perennial with blue needles is considered one of the most expensive species. And this is due not only to its appearance, but also to the characteristics of reproduction. It takes a lot of time and patience to grow spruce from seed. They are difficult to germinate, and seedlings grow slowly and do not tolerate transplanting well. Therefore, many gardeners prefer to purchase a ready-made seedling. However, here it is important to make the right choice.

A seedling is best purchased at the age of at least 3 years, and even better 5 years old. Usually these are already quite mature trees with a height of 60 to 80 cm. And it is desirable that they be with a closed root system, in a pot or tub. Then the chances of survival grow significantly. The needles should be healthy, without yellowness.

Where and how to plant

For a blue spruce, it is necessary to take a well-lit place, while away from buildings and other plants. In adulthood, it has large dimensions, and it will simply displace other cultures, covering the sun with its dense crown.

Since the spruce has a very developed and powerful root system, it should be planted at a distance of at least 20 m from the house and other buildings. Otherwise, the roots can destroy the foundation.

As for the timing, the best time for planting a seedling is early spring, especially in the central zone and to the north. In the south, autumn planting is also possible, but not less than a month before frost, so that the spruce has time to take root.

The planting hole must be dug spacious, at least 60 cm in depth and width. And fill it with nutritious soil, laying a drainage brick layer on the bottom. The soil mixture for filling the pit should include sand, peat, humus and garden land. It is advisable to immediately install a support next to it, which will support the young trunk and prevent it from breaking from the wind. And so that the soil does not lose moisture, the trunk circle should be covered with peat.

Features of care for blue spruce

If adults ate generally unpretentious, then young trees require more attention:

1. Spruce is very fond of moisture, so you need to water it often, especially in summer, and prevent the soil from drying out. Otherwise, the needles will turn yellow and crumble. At the same time, it is important not to allow waterlogging, from which the roots will rot.
2. For normal development, the ephedra must be provided with adequate nutrition. But not with organic matter, but with mineral complexes created specifically for conifers.Such fertilizers are produced by the Pocon trademark. It is enough to make them twice a year, in spring and early autumn.
3. Young ate trees are sensitive to ultraviolet light. Therefore, to protect them from the sun's rays, it is recommended to cover them with agrofibre in the fall.

Also, young Christmas trees need additional shelter for the winter. Mature trees are not sensitive to frost and have strong branches. But the young need to be protected from freezing, and from breaking off shoots under the weight of snow. To do this, the branches are gently pulled to the stem and tied. From above, they are covered with spruce branches, a special box or cover.

Features of reproduction and planting of blue spruce