Coast Redwood Sequoia sempervirens 20 Seeds USA Company

The coast redwood, scientifically known as Sequoia sempervirens, stands as the world's tallest tree, exuding majesty in its cathedral-like groves. Its nomenclature reflects its origin in the damp, fog-laden coastal plains along the Pacific coast, predominantly inhabiting a slender coastal strip extending from southern Oregon to the San Francisco Bay area, about 20 miles inland. This evergreen conifer, with a narrow-conical shape, typically thrives in high-moisture coastal locales regularly veiled in Pacific fog, sometimes forming impressive pure stands.

In its native habitat, the coast redwood flourishes as a magnificent, long-lived giant, often recognized as the tallest tree globally, reaching heights of 350 feet and boasting a trunk diameter of 20-25 feet. Despite its rapid growth in its natural surroundings, it may take over 400 years for a redwood to attain maturity, and these venerable trees can live for 2000 years or more. When cultivated outside its native range, its size is significantly reduced, typically reaching heights of 60-90 feet. The coast redwood is characterized by flat, vibrant green needles (up to 1 inch long), oblong seed cones measuring 1.25 inches, and furrowed, reddish-brown bark on a straight trunk that flares outward at the base.

This tree is highly prized for its lumber, known for its rot-resistant, straight-grained, and knot-free wood. Many of these remarkable trees have found protection in designated areas such as Redwood National Park, Muir Woods, and several California State Parks. Both Sequoia sempervirens and its close relative Sequoiadendron gigantea (giant sequoia) hold the joint distinction of being the State Tree of California.

In terms of cultivation, the coast redwood thrives in moist, rich, humusy, well-drained soils under full sun, with some tolerance for light shade. It flourishes in cool, moist, coastal climates with consistently high moisture levels and can withstand wet soils but is intolerant of dry conditions. It generally shies away from extreme temperatures. Hardy in zones 7-9.

Growing Instructions for the Coast Redwood

The seeds need to be planted when received or stored in a refrigerator until they are planted. The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Soak the seeds in cool water for 24 hours. 2. Put the seeds in a ziplock bag and seal it. 3. Put the ziplock bag in the refrigerator for 4 weeks. 4. Fill a pot or a nursery tray with a mix of potting soil and peat-based seed compost, vermiculite or perlite. 5. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil. 6. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of the growing medium. The seeds may take 1-2 months to germinate. 7. Place the container in an area that is in part shade. Water it regularly so that the soil is most but not wet. 8. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.