We only sell freshly harvested seeds from small time growers, hobbyists and collectors.
Listing is for 10 Seeds
Tsuga heterophylla, the western hemlock or western hemlock-spruce, is a species of hemlock native to the west coast of North America, with its northwestern limit on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, and its southeastern limit in northern Sonoma County, California. The Latin species name means 'variable leaves'.
Tsuga heterophylla is native to West North America, Alaska to California, where it can reach heights of 20-40 metres; also found in forest from the Himalayas to North Burma, West Vietnam, China, Taiwan and Japan. A graceful and evergreen tree growing at a fast rate. Evergreen tree with a straight trunk, down-swept branches and open, pyramidal crown with a nodding tip. Foliage colour ranges from light green/yellow on new growth to dark green on older growth. Tsuga species feature flattened, usually linear leaves, similar to that of Yews, with silvery white bands beneath. The needles provide a flat branch pattern, lending itself to bonsai design. The leaves have rounded tips, 2-ranked and short, 1/4 to 3/4 inches long. Tsugas are typically tall, graceful trees with spreading branches that droop downwards at the tips creating a cascading effect.
The twigs are yellow-brown, flexible, and minutely pubescent. Young bark is thin, superficially scaly, and brown to black. On mature trees bark is dark brown to reddish-brown, becoming thick and strongly grooved with age. The bark becomes deeply furrowed with age. Inner bark is dark red streaked with purple. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The flowers are monoecious, individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant, and are pollinated by Wind. The cones are small 1.5 - 2.5 cm long, greenish, turning brown with age and hang from the ends of the branchlets. After dropping their seeds they remain on the tree for quite a long time.
Hardiness zones 5-7, (-15°C,5°F/ -26°C,-15°F) in Winter. If cultivated in full sun, note that Hemlocks may be stressed by extremely high temperatures or dry conditions. Extremely shade tolerant but requires extra shelter from the wind. Tsuga need protection from strong, freezing winds that will quickly dry out the foliage, also from salt damage and air pollution. The plant prefers light, sandy or medium, loamy soils. The Western Hemlock prefers acidic, cool, moist soils with good drainage. Feed every two weeks throughout the growing season.
Germination
For faster germination, soak the seeds in slightly hot water for 24-48 hours, followed by 2 months of cold stratification before sowing in your soil mixture. Keep damp soil, not soaking wet. Keep pot in warm situation 20°C/68°F, 24°C/75°F. Germination can take several months. It can be more depending on their degree of unbroken dormancy, don't give up.
Scarification / Stratification
This will break their dormancy. It creates a cold and moist environment for the seeds. Mixed in seeds with slightly moistened vermiculite or peat, only damp in a ziplock bag. Close zip bag shut and store it in the salad crisper compartment of your refrigerator. If any seeds begin to sprout during the cold stratification, simply remove the seed and plant.
Whimsy and Wonder proudly takes its place as a global leader in the realm of rare seeds, heirloom seeds, open-pollinated seeds, seeds for heirloom vegetables, hard-to-find seeds, and exotic seeds. Our reputation is built on a steadfast commitment to sourcing and distributing seeds of unparalleled quality. With a vast network that spans hobbyist growers, dedicated collectors, and seasoned professionals, we've meticulously curated an extensive inventory, unrivaled in its rarity and diversity, offering some of the planet's most elusive plant species.
Based in Canada, we've dedicated ourselves to serving plant enthusiasts in Canada, USA and worldwide with a promise of freshness and species authenticity. In an era where the online marketplace is rife with unscrupulous sellers peddling counterfeit seeds, we take our responsibility very seriously. Our stringent precautions and rigorous processes are designed to ensure the highest germination rates possible, setting us apart as a trusted source of rare seeds. We proudly offer Canada and worldwide shipping, extending our dedication to quality and authenticity to gardeners and growers around the globe, providing the assurance that your journey into the world of botanical whimsy and wonder begins with seeds you can trust.