'Irkutsk' Siberian Fir Seed

Latin Name: Abies sibirica

DESCRIPTION

Family: Pinaceae

Native Range: Native to Siberia and Northeast China.

Seed Source: Siberian fir collection near Carrot River, Saskatchewan.

Height and Spread: 25m x 8m.

Overview: Siberian fir is native to Siberia. This seed strain originates from a collection mission to Lake Baikal, Siberia in 1985 with the deed collected near the Siberian city of Irkutsk. The collected germplasm was planted in a seed block near Carrot River, Saskatchewan. The 'Irkutsk' seed strain is well adapted to northern temperate regions.

Seeds: The yellow-brown seeds are 5-7 mm long.

Average number of seeds/packet: 300

SEED TREATMENT / SOWING

Stratification: Soak in water for 24 hours then stratify at 5°C for 30 days in moist sand.

Ideal sowing time: Sow stratified seed outdoors in May or non-stratified seed in late August.

Sowing instructions: Outdoors - sow 1.0 cm deep, 50 seeds/meter; Greenhouse - sow 3 seeds per cell.

Growing conditions: The 'Irkutsk' Siberian fir seed strain grows well in cool moist soils. It is very shade-tolerant, frost-resistant, and hardy, surviving temperatures down to −50°C. This seed strain has a nice pyramidal form, and becomes more narrow as it grows to an ultimate height of over 25 meters.

AGROFORESTRY VALUE

Siberian fir is known for its strong aroma. This tree's needles are popular for essential oils and aromatherapy. Siberian fir is also valued for its attractive dark green foliage and dense, pyramidal shape.