Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) is an evergreen conifer native to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa and is prized as an ornamental specimen tree. Seeds possess partial dormancy and benefit from cold stratification to overcome innate dormancy mechanisms. The species exhibits variable germination rates depending on provenance and seed viability, with optimal results achieved through a combination of pre-soaking and cold treatment.
Before sowing
Does not strictly require stratification, but a brief cold period seems to induce better germination. If germination does not occur after 3-4 weeks, cold stratify for 2-4 weeks.
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Sow seeds 0.25 inches (4-5 mm) deep, tamp soil, and mulch the seed bed. Use a fine mist spray for watering to avoid seed disturbance. Maintain moist but not waterlogged substrate. If initial germination fails after 3-4 weeks without stratification, apply cold stratification for 2-4 weeks at 2-5°C. Hot water treatment (80°C for 5 minutes) can significantly increase germination to 76%. After stratification, move seeds to warm conditions (18-24°C) for germination. Do not discard seeds prematurely; some may remain dormant until natural germination cues are met. Once seedlings reach 3-4 inches, they are ready for transplanting with 12-18 inch spacing.
Sources: Forest Research (UK), Sheffield's Seed Company, ResearchGate (Hadou et al. 2022), Australian Seed, educared.net, greg.app, VIRIAR
