Monterey Cypress seeds
The Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) is a versatile evergreen conifer that thrives in diverse environments. Outdoors, it can be grown in gardens as a majestic specimen tree or used in hedges and windbreaks.
Its adaptability extends indoors, where it excels as a low-maintenance houseplant or a captivating bonsai subject. As a houseplant, the Monterey Cypress appreciates bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It can be pruned to maintain its desired shape and size, making it perfect for small spaces.
For bonsai enthusiasts, its sturdy branches and ability to withstand shaping techniques make it an ideal candidate for creating miniature masterpieces. Whether outdoors or indoors, the Monterey Cypress offers a touch of natural beauty and elegance to any setting.
Seed Count: 50
Botanic Name:
Cupressus macrocarpa
Plant Spacing:
18" - 20" apart
Color:
Light green fronds
Sowing Depth:
1/4" deep
Sun Requirements:
Full sun (put in front of a south facing window if growing indoors as a house plant)
Utilization:
The Monterey Cypress is a versatile tree with a variety of uses. Outdoors, it can be a striking landscape specimen, a privacy hedge, or a windbreak. Its salt tolerance makes it suitable for coastal gardens. Indoors, it can thrive as a low-maintenance houseplant or a captivating bonsai subject. To care for your Monterey Cypress, provide bright, indirect light and water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Regular pruning can help maintain its shape and size.
Frost Hardy:
No
Maturity Days:
- 1 year
- 1 year+if growing as an outdoor tree
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Can I Start Indoors?
Yes
Container Friendly:
Yes
Other Names:
-
Purifies the air:
Yes
Growing and cold stratification instructions:
HOW TO GROW MONTEREY CYPRESS SEEDS
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
You'll need:
- Monterey Cypress seeds
- Small container for soaking (e.g., a bowl or cup)
- Zip-lock freezer bag or a small airtight container
- Moistened seed-starting mix, peat moss, or a damp paper towel
- Small pots or seed trays with drainage holes
- Well-draining potting mix
- Watering can or spray bottle
- A bright, indirect light source (once seedlings emerge)
Step 2: Soaking the Seeds
- Place the seeds in a container: Put your Monterey Cypress seeds in a small bowl or cup.
- Add water: Pour room temperature water over the seeds, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Soak for 24 hours: Let the seeds soak undisturbed for approximately 24 hours. This process helps to soften the hard seed coat and encourages germination.
Step 3: Cold Moist Stratification
- Drain the water: After soaking, carefully drain all the water from the seeds.
- Prepare the stratification medium: Lightly moisten your chosen medium (seed-starting mix, peat moss, or paper towel). It should be damp but not dripping wet.
- Place seeds in the medium:
- Using seed-starting mix or peat moss: Place the moistened medium in a zip-lock freezer bag or a small airtight container. Gently mix the soaked seeds into the medium, ensuring they have good contact.
- Using a paper towel: Place the moistened paper towel in the bag or container. Arrange the soaked seeds on one half of the paper towel and fold the other half over them.
- Seal and label: Seal the bag or container tightly. Label it with the date and the type of seed (Monterey Cypress) so you know when the stratification period started.
- Refrigerate: Place the sealed bag or container in your refrigerator (not the freezer). The ideal temperature range is typically between 35-40°F (2-4°C).
- Stratify for 4-6 weeks (or 21-30 days): Keep the seeds in the refrigerator for this duration. During this time, check periodically to ensure the medium remains slightly moist. If it starts to dry out, add a few drops of water.
Step 4: Planting the Stratified Seeds
- Prepare your pots or seed trays: Fill your small pots or seed trays with a well-draining potting mix.
- Sow the seeds: Carefully remove the stratified seeds from the refrigerator and the stratification medium. Sow the seeds about ¼ to ½ inch deep in the potting mix. Place one or two seeds per pot or cell in the seed tray.
- Water gently: Water the soil gently but thoroughly after sowing. Ensure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
- Provide warmth and light: Place the pots or seed trays in a warm location with bright, indirect light. A south-facing window with a sheer curtain or a grow light works well.
- Maintain moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist by watering gently whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to rot.
Step 5: Seedling Care
- Monitor for germination: Germination can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on conditions. Be patient and continue to provide warmth, moisture, and light.
- Thin seedlings (if necessary): If you planted more than one seed per pot or cell and both germinate, thin them out by snipping the weaker seedling at the soil line. This will give the stronger seedling room to grow.
- Gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions (hardening off): Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and the weather outdoors is consistently warm and there is no risk of frost, you can begin the process of hardening them off. This involves gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a period of 7-10 days. Start by placing them in a sheltered spot for an hour or two each day, gradually increasing the time and exposure to sunlight and wind.
- Transplant (if necessary): Once the seedlings are well-established and have outgrown their initial pots or seed trays, you can transplant them into larger containers or directly into their permanent location in the ground, ensuring the soil is well-draining and they have plenty of space to grow. Monterey Cypress trees can become quite large, so choose a location with ample room.
