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Features:- Species Name: Sequoia -- from the Cherokee Indian chief Sequoyah
- Family Name: Taxodiacae, often called the deciduous cypress family
- Often they can reach heights of 300-350 feet and diameters of 16-18 feet.
- 50 Seeds
High quality seeds:
These seeds were purchased early in August 2008. When they arrived all 50 seeds were immediately sowed. This is important because the seeds remain viable for only a few months and I had no information as to when the seeds were extracted. Redwood seeds have a viability rate of less than 15%. That would mean of the 50 seeds only about 8 would germinate. So sowing only 5 seeds would be gambling against the odds. However, within three weeks 15 of the 50 seeds had germinated which is twice the expected rate! These seeds were sowed in a very shallow container using potting soil (as opposed to seeding soil) with slight acidity. (I used Scotts, African Violet Potting Mix.) The slight acidity will not inhibit germination. The soil was also kept very damp because redwoods require LOTS of water. They were kept indoors with a steady temperature range between 60-70F and out of any direct sunlight. Anyone expecting redwoods to be low-maintenance should probably look for another species of tree. They require frequent watering, high-humidity, and warm temperatures to thrive. Seedlings don't require much sunlight, however. Also, as the tree grows the root system spreads out to cover a large surface area to support its own height so wide spaces are necessary. (In other words, I wouldn't plant a redwood near the foundation of a house if I wanted that house still standing there hundreds of years later.) This wouldn't be a problem if it will be trained as bonsai.
Still trying to grow.:
Pros: lots of seeds included. Cheap. Cons: very sparse packaging, needs more instructional material. The tiny slip of paper provided is insufficient for those of us who aren't experts in exotic trees. Seriously, print out a page of detailed instructions, fold it up, and slip it in the bag - I would pay an extra quarter for that information. These trees are obscure so it's hard to find information on them. I planted five seeds as I wanted to save the rest and only wanted one tree. However, none grew. I watered it every other day but perhaps this was not enough. I would know if it came with better instructions. I plan to try again in a ziploc bag with wet paper towel like back when I was a little kid in science class.
MINE did not grow (Three Stars):
I purchased these seeds, obviously, to try and grow a miniature giant redwood tree. Sadly, none of the fifty seeds sprouted into a tree. It has been several months since i planted them and nothing has grown. As another reviewer mentioned, they come with very little information on how to properly plant them. That being said, I do recommend that you at least try these seeds. Another reviewer said that he was able to grow trees from these seeds. With such a great price, I would recommend buying several packs of these seeds and at least try to grow a redwood. I wanted to rate these seeds with three stars, however, Amazon will not let you change the number of stars you give a product.
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