Hardly anyone would think of growing a Douglas fir from seeds. This type of propagation is not that easy for laypeople and it takes forever until a tree grows from it. A seedling from the nursery gives us a valuable head start.
Where can you buy Douglas fir seedlings and what should you pay attention to?
Douglas fir seedlings can be purchased in a variety of sizes and prices online or at garden centers. Larger seedlings provide a growth advantage but cost more. The best time to plant is in spring and seedlings are available in containers or bare root.
It is better to have seedlings instead of seeds
Douglas fir seeds can be ordered cheaply on the Internet, from which small trees can develop at home. It is questionable whether this will happen, because seed propagation is demanding and should be left to professionals.
Another reason why you should choose seedlings is the year-long growth advantage it offers. Or do you want to wait forever until you have a beautifully grown Douglas fir in your garden?
Where can I buy seedlings?
On the Internet alone, several online shops offer Douglas fir seedlings, including well-known suppliers. If you want to inspect the tree beforehand, you should ask a local tree nursery or stop by a large garden center.
When is the best time to buy?
Saplings of this tree species are usually offered as container goods, but bare-root seedlings are also available.
- Containerware can be planted all year round
- the time for bare root goods is October to April
- Buy seedling immediately before planting
Spring is recommended as the best planting time and should always be preferred, not just for bare root crops. Spring is also the best time to look for Douglas firs.
The size of the seedlings
You can buy seedlings of different sizes or ages. Below are a few examples:
- 1-2 year old plants with a height of 20 to 30 cm
- 3-4 year old plants up to 80 cm high
- rarely seedlings that are 2 m high
Every growth lead increases the price
The larger and older a seedling is, the higher its selling price is. The smallest ones start at 3 euros each, while a 2 m high tree can cost over a hundred euros.
If you don't need a large Douglas fir so urgently, you can buy cheap specimens and then practice patience.
