Description
Larix decidua (European Larch) Seeds
Zones: 3 to 6.
Native to central Europe.
The European Larch is a deciduous conifer native to central Europe, the Alps and the Carpathian mountains, although it has been widely planted outside its natural range in other temperate regions including Britain and North America.
The European Larch has an open pyramidal shape and horizontal branching. Needles are 3/4 to 2 inches (2-5 cm) long, growing in brush-like clusters at the ends of short shoots along the branches. The needles are soft green, turning yellow-orange in autumn before falling. Cones are 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches (2 to 4 cm), erect and brown. The bark is grey to to brown with fissures exposing a reddish brown inner bark.
The European Larch is an attractive ornamental tree and much better adapted to urban conditions than the Tamarack (American Larch). It is planted in parks and campus lawns where space is available. It likes a sunny site with moist, well drained soils. Like other larches it is also widely used as a bonsai specimen.
Size: Height 60 to 80 ft; Width 20 to 30 ft.
Germination Instructions
Stratification: Provide 40 to 60 days cold moist stratification at 3° C (37° F) to 5° C (41° F).
- Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
- Place seeds in sandwich bag(s) with a bit of damp sand or vermiculite to keep moist.
- Place the bag(s) with seeds in refrigerator for about 40 to 60 days.
- After the required time take the seeds out of the refrigerator and sow the seeds in pots 1/4 inch deep and cover lightly. Water gently so as not to wash away the seeds. Keep soil moist but not wet.
