Our experiments in growing Douglas-fir from seed have been very positive.

Watching the small seeds burst to life is always enjoyable. It's impressive to see how they grow from a tiny seed into a bright green tree with many needles. The initial cotyledons (seed leaves) usually number 8, but can be anywhere from 5-10 in this species.

The germination rate for these seeds unstratified (without a undergoing a period of cold) have been quite high. Growing conifers is a task for someone with patience, but those lacking it will enjoy the speedy germination of Douglas-fir seeds.

Our Austrian pine seedling has found its new coffee-cup home quite comfortable. It's growing at a good rate and showing the first set of true leaves, which are bright green in comparison to the original seed leaves. Though conifers leaves are called needles, they serve the same purpose - they photosynthesize just like deciduous trees but some can even do so at freezing temperatures which allows them to absorb sunlight year-round.

Here a second-year spruce seedling is putting out new leaves at the end of its branches. It's always exciting to come and check on these little trees and their progress. One species at a time, we plan to seed, test, document and sell various tree seeds from around the world. Although originally focused on sdlely vegetable seeds, we have been interested in branching out into other areas and our trial of several tree seeds has been a rewarding journey.