Ponderosa Pine Data Sheet

• Common name: Ponderosa pine

• Latin name: Pinus ponderosa

• Genus: Pinus

• Height: 80 m (262 ft)

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 3–7

• Conservation status: Least concern

Pinus Ponderosa, commonly known as the Ponderosa pine, is a conifer native to the western United States and Canada. It has been successfully introduced to the temperate areas of Europe.

This tree is generally found at low to medium altitudes, mostly from 300 m (980 ft) to 2,000 m (6,500 ft).

The Ponderosa pine is a large evergreen conifer, growing to a height of 80 m (262 ft). The needles are medium green and around 5 inches long, set in bundles of three. The bark is an orange - brown colour and cracks into large plated scales with age. The cones are 5 inches long and start out dark green, ripening to a chestnut brown colour.

The Ponderosa pine is closely related to the Jeffrey pine, Bull pine and Western Yellow pine, which all share many of its characteristics.

This tree is prized for its heavy timber for construction use. The tree is used in landscaping.

Pre Germination

These seeds need no pretreatment or stratification before sowing. Fill trays or pots with quality compost and firm down gently. Spread seeds across the surface; around 25 in a 10 cm pot is ideal. Cover with 3 mm of compost and gently firm down.

Keep compost damp, not soaking wet. Never allow it to dry out. Place pots or trays on a warm windowsill or in a warm conservatory. Germination should occur at 1–3 weeks.

Post Germination

Once seedlings appear, keep them in a well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of damping off disease. Place in bright conditions, a windowsill is ideal. Ensure the seedlings don't dry out. Water logging should also be avoided; young trees hate wet feet. These seedlings are small and sturdy and will give you little hassle. They can be separated into their own 4" pots at 15–20 weeks; by this stage they are frost hardy and can stay outside all year. Fertilization is not required up to this point. During spring and summer we advise using an NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4 weeks.

CAUTION: Slugs and snails love juicy young pines and spruce.

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