(Thuja occidentalis) Evergreen. Zones 3-7. Arborvitae is majestic in size and full of wonderful health benefits. Latin for Tree of Life, its potent resin and vitamin rich foliage were used by Indigenous Peoples and early settlers in North America to treat scurvy. Commonly known as Eastern or Northern White Cedar, Arborvitae has flat, lacy sprays of aromatic needles, emerald green and gold in colour, striking against the red-brown bark. Clusters of small bud-like cones transform from green to nutmeg brown when mature. It grows in a pyramid shape and typically reaches 30 feet tall. Slow growing and easy to care for, Arborvitae, with their dense evergreen foliage, make excellent hedges or living privacy walls in the garden. It grows happily in average, well-drained soil, but does not tolerate dry conditions and prefers full sun. Indigenous Peoples used all parts of the tree for their health benefits but also for buildings boats, totem poles, baskets and clothing. Arborvitae essential oils are a powerful cleansing and purifying agent. Unfortunately, due to over-harvesting, White Cedar is now very rare here on the East Coast. -------------------------------- Cold Hardiness: Zones 3 - 7 Edible: Medicinal Size: Medium Tree Growth Rate: Medium - Slow Nitrogen Fixer: No Native Plant: Yes Germination: 50 - 70% Sun requirements: Full Sun - Partial Shade Soil Requirements: Moist, well draining. -------------------------------- GROWING INSTRUCTIONS SEED PRETREATMENT: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours. Then, mix seeds with a moistened grow medium equal to 3-4 times seed volume. Place in a plastic bag or container. STRATIFICATION: 60 days cold/moist (5°C). Place plastic bag with seeds and soil in your refrigerator, preferably in a veggie crisper. Inspect periodically for even moisture, don’t let seeds dry out during stratification period. POST-STRATIFICATION: Sow stratified seeds on the soils surface, tamp down gently. Seeds require light to germinate. Alternating soil temperatures during the day (30°C) and night (20°C) aids germination. Water evenly and regularly. GERMINATION: When all previously mentioned requirements are fulfilled, germination generally occurs in 15-30 days. *How To Stratify Tree Seeds* -------------------------------- Available direct from Incredible Seeds, a Canadian Heirloom and Heritage Seed Company, offering only the best natural, non-GMO, open pollinated and untreated seeds, located in Mi'kma'ki / Nova Scotia.
