Caucasian fir sometimes has cones. Nordmann fir (Caucasian): description, planting, cultivation and care in a summer cottage

Caucasian Nordmann fir - this name was given to the culture in honor of one Russian-Finnish scientist who studied plants, Alexander von Nordmann. It was he who discovered such a plant near Borjomi (in Georgia) in 1835. The scientist described the plant in detail and noted its attractive appearance and special power. It is important to consider the features of planting Caucasian fir and caring for it.

Place of origin of the crop

Norman fir is a species of fir that reaches a height of up to fifty meters. The total diameter of the tree trunk can reach up to two meters. The crown of the plant has a pyramidal shape. This culture is called the Apollo tree, in honor of the ancient Greek god of the Sun.

Another name for the culture is “Trojan Horse”. There is a legend that when creating the Trojan horse, wood from this particular culture was used. Currently, the tree is considered very popular among European residents. They use it to decorate their home during the Christmas holidays.

In nature, such a culture grows in the territory of Asia Minor and the Caucasus Mountains. The plant can be found in the forests of Denmark.

The culture is characterized by a high life expectancy - up to 7000 years. The needles on the tree are light green in color and may have a characteristic shine. Small needles are directed forward and can reach up to four centimeters in length. The bark of the plant is smooth and colored grey colour. As it matures, it begins to change to a brown tint.

The needles can reach only up to 30 millimeters, are painted dark green on top, and have white stripes on the bottom. On cone-bearing shoots, the needles are arranged comb-like, on vegetative ones - notched, and on lateral shoots - in rows of needles that run along the entire shoot. On a plant under natural growth conditions, needles continue to persist for thirteen years.

The root system of the crop is quite deep. The plant grows best in a loose soil mixture, while its growth accelerates. The tree pays special attention to the humidity level of the environment. Fir can withstand extreme cold (up to a temperature of -25 degrees Celsius). Used as decorative culture.

Common varieties

There are the most common varieties of this tree:

Description of the plant

Norman fir belongs to the group of evergreen crops, which can reach a height of up to eighty meters (it must be borne in mind that this only happens when growing in nature).

If a gardener is going to plant fir on his property, then it is important for him to consider the following features:

If all conditions are provided, the culture can continue to grow for 700 years in one place. It should be noted that tree growth occurs regardless of the age of the crop.

Anyone who wants to grow Norman fir in their country house need not be afraid of anything: such a crop is completely unpretentious and can easily grow in any area. If there are difficulties, the gardener can independently provide the crop with all the necessary conditions.

Site selection and planting

Norman fir is a plant that can survive at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level. In lowlands, such a plant shows slow growth, which will not be of particular importance when grown for decorative purposes. main feature crops (excluding some varieties) - the ability to grow both in areas illuminated by sunlight and in the shade. She does not respond to influence strong winds, but it grows best in conditions with high air humidity.

Selection of soil mixture

Caucasian fir prefers to grow in nutritious soil, which contains a large number of minerals and useful components. It is best to use loam for planting the plant, but good growth of the tree is observed even when planted in soils with a high acidity level.

Propagation of the crop is allowed only with fully ripened seeds, since vegetative methods show their effectiveness negative side. The cuttings may not take root at all, or they may take root, but with great difficulty. If we talk about seeds, then their full ripening is noted at the end of October. Only those seeds that fly out of the cavity of the cone on their own can be considered ripe.

Features of planting

Since Danish fir can only be propagated using seeds, they are stratified several months before planting in the soil. To do this, the seeds are first placed in a container with soil inside, then they are placed in the refrigerator or in a cold basement.

IN spring time the seeds are germinated in a warm place, and the sprouts obtained from the seeds are transplanted into large containers. Most often, this crop is grown in pots for six years. and only after that it is planted in open soil. This occurs due to the instability of young fir tree plants. They can quickly die when exposed to any negative factors.

If all conditions are taken into account, then the plant needs to be replanted summer cottage in the form of a seedling purchased in flower shop or a special nursery. For this purpose, a hole 70 centimeters deep and 50 centimeters wide is first prepared. To the specified depth, you need to add a layer that includes a layer of drainage, the presence of which is considered mandatory when planting a plant (for this it is important to use gravel and crushed stone). To ensure rapid establishment of the seedling and its active growth, you need to create a special soil mixture:

• humus - 15 percent;
• peat mixture - 43 percent;
• clay - 30 percent;
• fine sand - 13 percent.

Complex fertilizing is added to the resulting soil; part of it is poured onto the bottom of the created hole as a slide. After this, the rhizomes of the seedling are carefully spread over the soil and completely covered with soil on top. It is important to water the plant only during planting.

Proper care

Norman fir does not need special care from the gardener, but, depending on the characteristics of growing the flower, it is still important to watch it carefully.

When growing a plant, it is important to provide it with measured watering and fertilization. They are most often applied during the growing season. Watering is allowed for seedlings that have just been planted in the ground; mature trees are allowed not to be watered at all, since their rhizomes can independently provide themselves with the required amount of moisture.

If we talk about fertilizing the crop, then it should be started only from the fifth year of growing the plant in open soil. It is best to use complexes of liquid products for feeding, which are important for coniferous species.

Caucasian fir is particularly resistant to cold weather. A middle-aged plant can normally tolerate frosts below a temperature of thirty degrees Celsius, and with age this figure only increases. But young fir seedlings do not tolerate low temperatures well, so with the onset of winter it is important for them to be protected.

Young landings react very sharply to weeds at the planting site, so it is important to carefully treat the perimeter near the tree and remove all weeds. To keep the soil clean longer, it is best to mulch it regularly, using rotten sawdust.

Possible diseases

If the needles of a tree begin to dry out quickly and drops of honey appear on it, then the plant has become infected with false scale insects. It can be eliminated using burlap traps, which are soaked in caterpillar glue.

If you properly care for Norman fir, it will delight gardeners with its smell and beauty for a long time. A tree rarely gets sick - it is best to prevent this by carefully monitoring its condition.

1. Description
2. Spreading
3. Popular varieties
4. Reproduction
5. Landing: subtleties of preparation
6. Description of the landing process
7. How to care for a tree

Nordmann fir, or Caucasian fir, ( lat. Abies nordmanniana) was first described by the Finnish-Russian botanist Alexander von Nordmann. Belongs to the Pine family, Fir genus.

Fir requires soil rich in minerals and fertilizers. Prefers loam. In such conditions, the tree develops quickly and grows. It also grows on alkaline soils.

Fir tolerates frosts well down to -30 °C. Frost resistance increases with age.

The optimal zone for breeding is 1200–2000 meters above sea level. The plant can be planted in the shade and on open area, not afraid of the wind.

Popular varieties

Abies nordmanniana put on personal plots, in city parks. Varieties used:

• "Jadwiga"
• "Pendula"

• "Bright green"
• golden spreader,

• Borjomi.

The latter is similar to the Caucasian one. Features of other varieties:

• "Pendula." It grows slowly, the crown is already normal. Used to decorate areas.
• "Jadwiga". Grows faster than other representatives. The crown is narrowed and quickly increases in diameter. Tree suitable for landscaping.
• Golden Spreader. Eternal dwarf. Grows slowly, height - up to 1 m at 10 years of age. Planted in pots, planted on alpine roller coaster. No special care required.

Danish spruce is distributed throughout the world. New varieties are constantly being developed.

Reproduction

Propagated by ripened seeds. Vegetative system is poorly developed - cuttings are grafted with great difficulty or this function is completely absent. The seeds ripen in October-November. They need to be collected during this period, before the material flies out of the opened cone.

Collect seeds from mature trees.

Landing: preparation

Seeds are sown in the ground, holes are left for the embryo to breathe, and placed in a refrigerator or basement for stratification. Keep for 1–1.5 months.

Germinate seeds in a pot or wait for early shoots in a forest area. The shoots grow slowly, and even good care will not speed up the process. If planned spring planting, it makes sense to purchase a ready-made 5–10-year-old seedling. Younger individuals will die in a new place, old ones will not take root: firs do not like transplanting.

Choose an open place, not cluttered with other trees. The soils must be fertile. When designing alleys or planting several individuals, calculate the distance between trees. For avenues - 3–4.5 m, for groups - 2.5 m.

Description of the landing process

General action plan:

1. Dig a hole 50 x 50 or 60 x 60 cm, up to 80 cm deep. Dimensions depend on the power of the seedling and its root system.
2. A drainage layer of 20 cm of broken brick or gravel is poured onto the bottom.
3. Add mineral fertilizers for conifers, about 10 kg of medium-sized sawdust.
4. The pit is kept for 2 weeks.
5. The roots of the seedling are moistened with water and placed in the prepared depression so that root collar remained above ground level.
6. Water generously.

During the first winter, on frosty days, the Nordmann fir needs to be covered with insulating materials. In the future, such care will not be needed.

Nordmann fir - Caucasian fir - Danish fir tree - Abies nordmanniana

Content

Description
Usage
Decorative forms and varieties
Growing
- Planting material
- Conditions for landing
- Landing location and climate
- Illumination
- The soil
- Landing
- Care
- Shelter for the winter
Reproduction of Caucasian fir: growing from seeds
Where to buy Norman/Caucasian fir for planting

As the New Year approaches, in search of a Christmas tree, we involuntarily meet and distinguish from others a lush and beautiful Christmas tree with soft, non-thorny needles called Nordmann Fir. But why fir and not the usual spruce? Where does such a beauty grow? Is it worth buying it for the New Year? And if you buy, what should you choose: cut or with roots, in a pot? Is it possible to plant this tree in the garden after the holiday? How to grow from seeds? Why is it recognized as the tallest tree in the country, and how did it become a Danish Christmas tree? We will talk about this in our article.

Why is the Christmas tree fir and not spruce?

This is the first question that arises for a person who is not familiar with the history of the New Year tree in Russia. Our Christmas tree first appeared in 1670. This tradition was introduced by Peter I, borrowing it from Germany. There, to decorate the Christmas holidays, they put up a fluffy fir, with needles that were not prickly and did not fall off, symbolizing, according to legend, the triumph of Christianity over Paganism as obscurantism. There weren’t many fir trees in Rus', and it was decided to use them for these purposes. ate , pine and juniper , standing out with green needles among winter leafless and bare trees. Gradually, the fir tree replaced the tall pine and shapeless juniper, becoming a recognized New Year tree in Russia, and the fir is still considered the main Christmas tree in Europe.

Interesting! Until this time, the New Year, or New Year in the old way, was celebrated in Rus' on March 1, before the start of garden and field work. Later the holiday was moved to the time of harvest - September 1. The pagan Slavs believed in a good spirit living in trees, therefore, celebrating spring or autumn New Year, tried to please him by decorating every tree growing near the house. But they did not favor spruce, considering it a tree of evil spirits. Since those times, the tradition of scattering spruce branches has been preserved, seeing off the deceased on his last journey.

How did the Nordmann fir become the Danish fir?

Christmas tree market. Danish Christmas tree

Among the Christmas trees, the most beautiful was not the European fir, but the Caucasian fir growing in the Caucasus, scientific name which Nordmann fir. It was superior to the European in the beauty and density of its needles, the ideal shape of the crown, the speed of growth, and besides, its soft needles did not fall off for a long time even on a cut down tree. The tree propagated by seeds, with the help of which the plant was introduced to Europe.

The soil and climate of Denmark turned out to be the most favorable, where they began to grow these beautiful Christmas trees for sale for the holiday of the Nativity of Christ. The country has become a leader in the production of the Christmas tree - Nordmann fir, ahead of other countries. Only the USA surpasses Denmark in exporting Christmas trees, but they mainly grow their own, American christmas tree - Fraser fir .

Now in Denmark, 10-12 million Caucasian firs are prepared for sale annually for the Christmas holidays, of which 9-11 million are exported, most of which to Germany. Like Dutch tulips, the name “Danish tree” has become a brand and a guarantee of a very high quality Christmas tree. Danish producers invest a lot of money and labor to ensure that the resulting trees grow with an ideal shape and high decorative value. Therefore, they are not cheap, compared, for example, with Russian Christmas trees, which are often planted under power lines without any care.

Interesting! The birthplace of all Danish Christmas trees, oddly enough, is mainly Georgia. In Denmark, Nordmann fir seeds do not ripen or germinate, so they are purchased in the Caucasus, where local collectors harvest them from hundred-year-old trees. The largest seed procurement center is the vicinity of Ambrolauri in Georgia. The majority of the local population is engaged in collecting cones; the pickers are called cones. To get the cones, the cones have to go without special devices climb to the height of a 10-story building. The harvesting season lasts a month, during which time tons of buds are collected. After drying the cones and painstakingly extracting the seeds from 7 kg of raw materials, 1 kg of seed material is obtained, which is sold for 25 euros. Each bigwig receives up to 1000 euros per season.

What is this wonderful tree that has become famous throughout the world?

Nordmann fir / Caucasian - origin and name

Opening buds of Caucasian fir

Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana) is one of 50 species of the genus Abies. It was discovered on the Adjara ridge (Armenian Highlands) in 1835-1836, and was named in honor of its discoverer, a Russian naturalist, Finnish by birth, and head of the Botanical Garden in Odessa, Alexander von Nordmann. As a result of an expedition to the shores of the Caucasus, as part of a small team, he managed to collect a huge collection of plants, insects and amphibians (2000 specimens), while repelling the local residents who did not favor guests with the help of a convoy and a cannon. Among the brought plants was Caucasian fir. For this expedition, Nordman received a diamond ring as a reward from the king. The brought seeds soon found their way to Europe, where the cultivation of Caucasian fir began in 1840.

Caucasian fir is the second recognized name of this plant, it indicates the place of its growth in wildlife. These are the mountains of the eastern and southern Black Sea region: the Russian Caucasus, Turkey, Abkhazia, Georgia, northern Armenia and Azerbaijan. The tree can be found in pure or mixed forests at an altitude of 900-2100 meters on the border of forest and alpine meadows. This area is characterized by a cold climate, mild winters, and annual precipitation of 1000-3000 mm. For comparison: the average annual precipitation in Moscow is 708 mm, in the Crimean mountains - more than 1000 mm, in Abkhazia, Sochi - more than 1500 mm.

Interesting! There is a subspecies of Nordmann fir, found only in a limited area. small area in the mountains of northwestern Turkey - Trojan fir (Abies nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani). It is not very common in culture.

Caucasian fir is the tallest tree in Russia

Abies nordmanniana, tree height 60.5 m. Caucasian Nature Reserve named after Kh. G. Shaposhnikov, Republic of Adygea, Kisha River valley

The Nordmann fir not only holds the title of the most beautiful Christmas tree. She is one of the most tall trees, growing in our country and throughout post-Soviet space.
Huge specimens can also be found on the territory of the Caucasian State Natural Biosphere Reserve (Krasnodar Territory, Adygea, Karachay-Cherkessia).
A well-known natural monument is the inaccessible Buiny Ridge in Adygea, where a virgin relict fir forest has been preserved. The Nordmann firs growing there are real giants, their trunk reaches a diameter of 2 m, and the height of most trees is 60-65 m; according to some sources, there are 85-meter specimens, their age is 340 years.
These sites are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Interesting! The Buiny ridge is considered the genetic center of the formation of the Nordmann fir range in the Caucasus. Among the huge number of Caucasian fir growing here, there are very rare phenotypes. Thanks to the growing fir forest, a network of thousands of streams feeding the Armyanka, Svetly and Mutny Teplyak rivers is preserved.

Description of Nordmann fir

No matter what time of year it is outside the window, the Nordmann fir always amazes with its beauty. Every part of this plant is worthy of admiration. Let's take a closer look at it.

It is tall evergreen and long-lived (up to 500 years) conifer tree 50 meters high, single copies of which are higher than 80 meters and older than 700 years. It grows faster than other fir trees, especially after 10 years of age. The trunk, up to 2 m in diameter, is covered with gray, smooth and very decorative bark; in old trees it is covered with cracks. Young branches are light in color - yellowish and light brown.

The wood is kernel-free, soft and light, elastic, whitish-reddish in color. The roots are strong, powerful, pivotal, and located deep. The crown of adult trees is cone-shaped, beautiful, lowered to the ground, and can be up to 9 m in diameter; in young trees it has a regular pyramidal shape.

The buds have almost no resin, are ovoid, and brown in color. Very thin, less than a millimeter thick, flat needles, blunt at the end, from 1.5 to 4 cm in length, up to 2 mm in width. They are arranged densely and hang down. On top they are glossy, green, with reverse side have two white stripes where stomata are located, through which the plant evaporates moisture and gas exchange. The needles remain on the tree for up to 12 years, during which time in industrial cities and other gassy and smoky places they become clogged with soot and toxic substances that kills the tree. For this reason, Nordmann fir is not planted for urban landscaping, with the exception of resort towns.

Beautiful cones, green at the beginning of growth, brown when mature, grow vertically upward, have a length of 10 to 20 cm and a width of up to 5 cm. Flowering and fruiting begins from 30-70 years of age. Each cone produces up to 200 scales, each containing 2 winged seeds. The cones decay directly on the tree in November (the timing depends on the region). Reproduction occurs due to scattering multiple seeds, which germinate well in the wild. If you need to have your own seeds, the cones are collected from the tree unopened, usually in September.

Use of Nordmann fir

Abies nordmanniana, Mount Fisht, Caucasus Mountains, altitude 2000 m above sea level

Nordmann fir is very beautiful and useful plant. It can be used:
- like a Christmas and New Year tree;
- as a water-protective and mountain-soil-protective plant;
- for reforestation in Europe in connection with the expected decline of forests due to expected climate warming;
- to obtain camphor and turpentine from the bark;
- for obtaining fir oil from pine needles;
- as a construction and sawing material;
- as a raw material for paper production;
- as a material for making musical instruments;
- V folk medicine: 1) leafy ends of branches, rich ascorbic acid and essential oils, used to prepare infusions, steams, baths, they have restorative, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory properties, 2) fir resin (balsam), obtained by cutting a tree, treats cuts and wounds;
- used in landscape single, group and alley plantings in gardens and parks in regions with a suitable climate, valued for its branched crown from the base and high decorativeness; dwarf varieties are suitable for container planting, for decorating rock gardens and rocky gardens.

Decorative forms and varieties of Nordmann fir

Abies nordmanniana "Golden Spreader"

IN landscape design They use decorative forms with a weeping (pendula) and erect (erecta) crown, bluish-gray (glauca) or golden (aurea) needles, white at the ends (albospicata) or with yellow tips (aureospicata).

A slow-growing dwarf variety for rock gardens is noted" "Golden Spreader" with golden needles, shiny above, with a whitish matte tint below. The dimensions of the fir "Golden Spreader" after 10 years of cultivation are 100x100 cm.

Slow growing dwarf variety "Hunnewell" forms a compact cushion. The color of the needles is silvery-bluish-green. Used for container planting, for balconies and patios, in small gardens. Frost resistance zone 5-9. Maximum size 50x70 cm.

Green dwarf variety "Munsterland" also suitable for containers, rock gardens and patios. Size for 10 years 25x35 cm.

Compact variety "Ambolouri/Tlugi" at the age of 10 it reaches 4 meters in height and up to 2 meters in diameter. The crown of the tree is wide-conical, the branches are arranged regularly, in layers.

How to care for a Christmas tree - Nordmann fir

The main advantage of the Nordmann fir as a New Year's tree is its ability not to shed its needles for a long time, remaining fluffy even when cut down. For this, the tree needs to create conditions - wet air the room temperature is not hot. Spraying the tree with water from a spray bottle will help achieve this.

Growing Nordmann fir

Where to buy a seedling

The easiest way to grow Caucasian fir in the garden is to plant a young seedling. It is better to buy it at a local plant nursery, specifying whether the seedling is grown directly in the nursery or brought from another region. Your own seedling will be stronger, it will take root easier and grow quickly. The imported seedling must undergo adaptation in the nursery for several months, after which it can also be planted in the garden.

Advice. By the presence of a given plant in the nursery's assortment, you can find out whether it is suitable for your climate. Manufacturers planting material They value their reputation and offer for sale only proven varieties and types of plants.

Interesting! Seedling producers distinguish varietiesCaucasian fir based on the place of growth. For example, for Georgia these are Ambolauri, Borjomi, Beshumi. For the Russian Caucasus - Apsheronsk, Krasnaya Polyana, Psebay, Arkhyz.

Conditions for planting Nordmann fir

Growing conditions should be as close as possible to those in which the wild tree lives. And these are the Caucasian mountain slopes, where water does not stagnate in the soil, the climate is not hot and moderately cold, high humidity air and soil. Not many areas on the territory of our country correspond to these characteristics, otherwise we would have been growing Caucasian fir everywhere for about 100-150 years.

In the characteristics of the tree there is data about its frost resistance down to -30 degrees, which is not entirely true. Perhaps the tree will survive such frosts, but it will grow poorly, and after very harsh winters it will be completely unsightly. Young plants above the snow level will freeze, and annual growth on mature trees will die. The temperature at which this plant will not suffer in winter should not fall below –18 degrees.

Do not forget about the winter hardiness of the species, which is not so high. When spring frosts return, young growths on the branches die, which is also unfavorable for the tree.

Abies nordmanniana "Munsterland"

Note! Experts do not recommend planting this type of fir in the Moscow region. Dwarf varieties can be used to a limited extent and creeping forms. The best places for planting will be the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus and the southern coast of Crimea.

Illumination

The tree is tolerant of light - it grows in shade, partial shade and sun. But on open places manages to be more magnificent. For young plants, shading or planting in partial shade is required.

The soil

Fertile light loamy soils with a neutral and slightly alkaline reaction, with good water drainage, are suitable. Heavy clay soils, highly compacted, dry or waterlogged soils are contraindicated.

Landing

When planning a planting site, take into account the growth rate and dimensions characteristic of the species or variety, as well as the type of planting (alley, group, tapeworm). Give preference young seedling, rather than a large one. Plan the event for the spring.
Plant the seedling according to classic scheme.

The planting hole is dug according to the root system of the seedling. The bottom is filled with drainage from broken tiles, bricks, and gravel. The soil is mixed with fertilizer for coniferous plants, dosing it according to the instructions on the package. Planting is carried out on a slight elevation, taking into account that the soil in the planting hole will subside by 5 cm. The root collar is not buried. A stake is placed next to the seedling, to which it is tied. After planting, watering and mulching are carried out to protect the soil from moisture evaporation. During the entire period of seedling survival, the soil moisture is especially carefully monitored and watered as it dries.

Care

Care activities include watering, weeding and fertilizing. Formative pruning and trimming are not required, since the crown itself takes on the correct shape, and trimming does not contribute to the growth of new branches. Only in the spring, before the sap begins to flow, dry branches are cut out, and at the end of May, the tips of the branches damaged by frost are cut out.

Caucasian fir is moisture-loving. Adult plants are watered up to 3 times per season. Young trees, and in the case of a dry summer, mature trees, are somewhat more common. In the spring, if there is a lack of moisture in the soil, additional watering is required for a quick and friendly start to the growing season. In hot weather and in the absence of rain, the tree is sprinkled once a week.

Fertilizers are introduced two to three years after planting the seedling in the ground, using a special complex fertilizer for coniferous plants. Dry mineral fertilizer easily embedded in a tree trunk circle, covered with a mulch layer, for example, compost. As the tree matures, fertilizing is abandoned, since large roots themselves begin to extract the necessary nutrition from the ground.

Nordmann fir does not have any specific diseases or pests that differ from other conifers.

Shelter for the winter

Only young plants need it. Their tree trunk circle is mulched with compost or covering material and covered with spruce branches. Shelters are removed after the end of frost.

Reproduction of Nordmann fir: growing from seeds

The most reliable and, perhaps, the only way to propagate this plant is by seed. And only garden forms and varieties can be propagated, but with difficulty, by cuttings or layering.

For sowing, it is better to use seeds of wild Caucasian fir, hardened by the mountain climate. They are collected before the cones fall apart in September. The seeds have a short shelf life, so it is better to use them immediately - sow them in the garden before winter in a buried box so that they undergo natural stratification. The box should have drainage holes. The crops must be mulched and later covered with snow. If the climate meets the requirements of fir, the seeds will germinate safely in the spring.

If sowing is planned in the spring, the seeds are stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in paper napkin or linen/cotton fabric. Seeds are sown after January, having previously exposed them to cold for 1-2 months. stratification . To do this, the seeds are mixed with damp sand, wrapped in cloth and placed in the refrigerator. You can do it differently: sow it in a container and bury it in the snow in the garden.

After stratification, containers with crops are placed for germination, preferably in a bright place. Seeds germinate at a temperature of +18-23 degrees. In summer, the box is placed in the garden in partial shade or shaded with spunbond, laid on a frame or on top of arches. Ventilate periodically. For the winter, the box is dug into the ground and covered with spruce branches or non-woven fabric. It is possible to plant seedlings for growing on a growing bed, but it is better to do this in the spring.

The soil for sowing and subsequent cultivation should be loose and light; for this, add an equal amount of sand and sawdust to the garden soil; they should make up a fifth of the substrate. Lightly compact it, moisten it with a sprayer and spread the seeds. Sprinkle them with dry soil no more than a couple of centimeters.

Do not let the soil dry out, prevent the formation of a crust, observe moderation when watering, the soil should always remain “breathable”. To avoid fungal infections, water the seedlings with Fitosporin solution once every 10 days. On permanent place Plant seedlings after 4 years.

Where to buy Norman/Caucasian fir for planting

Some addresses that were current at the time of writing.

Caucasian fir seedlings

Live Danish fir (Abies Nordmanniana variety), which can be ordered with delivery in Moscow and the Moscow region. A stunning Christmas tree from Danish forest nurseries.

Key features of the tree

• Nordmann fir is resistant: it does not shed its needles for a long time and better tolerates the heat and dryness of the room;
• the crown of the tree has a regular conical shape;
• the needles are soft, do not prick, and have a faint fir smell.

This is one of the favorite New Year trees in Europe and America. It is grown on the northern coast of Europe, in Denmark (hence the name - Danish Christmas tree). Many Danish farmers have been growing fir for the New Year for many generations. Most of them choose Danish fir trees because of their durability: the needles do not turn yellow or fall off for a long time.

Nordmann (or as Nordmann is sometimes called) has an excellent, almost perfect shape with fluffy branches thanks to constant care and pruning by foresters. The needles of the New Year's tree are shiny dark green. The needles are long and flat and do not prick.

back side positive qualities Nordmann fir - its cost. Due to the additional costs of care and delivery, it is more expensive than ordinary Russian spruce and pine trees.

Delivery

Fir is a fairly heavy tree, especially at a height of more than 1.5 m. We recommend ordering delivery by courier to your door to avoid unnecessary hassle. Additionally, you can buy fir with installation in a stand.

Christmas tree stand, installation and delivery are not included in the price.

Nordmann fir - interesting coniferous plant, which is often used in the design of gardens and summer cottages. The tree has a neat wide crown and highlights essential oils, giving the needles a specific aroma. Coniferous culture requires good care, only then will it please the owner of the site with a healthy, attractive appearance.

According to the description of the variety, fir has the following characteristics:

1. Lifespan. The tree is a long-liver. There were specimens that were 7,000 years old.
2. Type of needles. The needles have light green color and shiny surface. Small needles are located horizontally on the branch. The length of the needles does not exceed 4 cm. The trunk is covered with gray shiny bark. As it ripens, it acquires a brown tint. In natural habitats, needles are replaced every 13 years.
3. Root system. The plant has powerful deep roots. It grows best in loose soils. The root system of a tree is sensitive to changes in humidity.
4. Frost resistance. Fir can withstand severe frosts; it is used as an ornamental crop in regions with harsh climates.

There are the following varieties of Nordmann fir, which have their own distinctive characteristics:

1. Golden Spreader. Dwarf variety It is distinguished by the presence of a depression in the center of the crown. The plant grows slowly. The average height of an adult specimen does not exceed 1 m. The outer surface of the needles is painted a marsh color and has a characteristic shine. Interior The needles are light yellow in color and lack gloss. The variety is grown in rock gardens.
2. Jadwiga. It is characterized by fast growth and great height. External sides The needles are dark green, the inner ones are white. Branches covered with thick needles form a dense crown.
3. Pendula. The hybrid is characterized by slow growth and a wide spreading crown. The needles have a rich green color. The plant does not tolerate high humidity And mechanical damage trunk Pendula fir is cultivated in arboretums and summer cottages.

How to plant fir correctly?

Planting and care procedures Caucasian fir includes the following steps:

1. Choosing a location. The tree grows well in the mountains; in the lowlands its growth slows down, which does not affect its decorative qualities. Fir can be grown in both illuminated and shaded areas. The plant is not afraid strong wind, however, is sensitive to drought.
2. Soil selection. Fir feels comfortable in nutritious soils containing a sufficient amount of minerals. Loams are suitable for planting, but the tree can also grow on acidic soils. Fir is planted next to rowan, spruce, barberry, thuja or juniper.
3. Selection of seedlings. Strong young plants with developed root system. When purchasing seedlings, pay attention to the presence of signs of disease.
4. Preparation landing pit. The hole should have a depth of 90 cm and a width of 60 cm. When digging a hole, an increase in depth is provided for drainage. It is formed from gravel or crushed stone.
5. Backfilling of soil. Sand, peat, clay and humus are mixed in a ratio of 1:3:1:2. The resulting mixture is fertilized with complex fertilizer. After this, half of the hole is filled with soil.
6. Planting a seedling. The plant is placed in the hole, straightening the roots. Fill the soil so that only the root collar remains above the surface. A tree trunk circle is formed, which is thoroughly moistened.

Rules for caring for Nordmannian fir

Caring for fir is not particularly difficult and involves the following activities:

1. Watering. The tree is watered abundantly only in the first year after planting. After the formation of a powerful root system, the plant begins to receive moisture from the soil.
2. Soil cultivation. To preserve the decorative qualities of the fir, the tree trunk circle is regularly cleared of weeds. Mulching helps reduce the frequency of weeding. The soil is covered with sawdust or peat. Over time, the tree itself creates a protective layer of fallen needles.
3. Feeding. Fertilizers begin to be applied 5 years after planting. The plant needs minerals, so complex liquid fertilizers are used. They are introduced during the period of active cone formation.
4. Formation. There is no need to trim healthy fir branches. Sanitary haircuts are aimed at removing fungus-affected, dried or damaged shoots. Pruning is performed annually in spring. The cut areas are covered with garden varnish.
5. Pest treatment. This variety of fir is resistant to diseases, however, if the humidity increases or infected seedlings are used, it can spread fungal diseases. Treatment with a fungicidal solution helps to cope with gray rot, schutte and rust. Pests are destroyed by spraying with insecticides.
6. Preparing for winter. Mature plants are resistant to low temperatures, seedlings must be protected. Tree trunk circle they are insulated with fallen leaves, the trunk is covered with spruce branches.

How does a plant reproduce?

Cuttings rarely take root, so seeds are used to propagate fir at home. For 2 months they are kept in freezer. In the spring, the seeds are sown in containers with nutritious soil, which is first disinfected by calcining it in the oven. The strengthened sprouts are transferred to separate pots, where they grow for 5-7 years. After this time, the seedlings are placed in the ground.