Also known as Spruce · 733 saves
Picea
Picea, the genus most gardeners know as spruce. We track 14 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 14 most-saved Picea varieties
6 species of Picea
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Picea in Sow
Save the Picea you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Picea
Whats common across all Picea varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 14 most-grown of them.
The Picea year
- Check for PestsMay–August100% of varieties
Inspect for spruce spider mites and needle cast disease.
- MulchApril79% of varieties
Refresh mulch layer, keeping it clear of the trunk base.
- PlantMarch, April, October and November64% of varieties
Plant container or balled-and-burlapped stock during dormant season.
- PruneFebruary and March57% of varieties
Prune only to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter.
- FertilizeApril50% of varieties
Fertilize only if growth is weak, using a balanced slow-release formula.
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Prune to shape in early spring
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late summer or fall
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
What goes wrong with Picea
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue or curled needles | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and yellowing needles | Apply horticultural oil or miticides |
| Spruce Spider Mite | Fine webbing, stippled or yellowing needles that may drop prematurely | Spray with a strong jet of water. Use horticultural oil or miticide in severe cases. |
| Spider mites | Webbing on needles | Apply horticultural oil or miticide |
| Cytospora Canker | Dying branches, usually starting from the bottom of the tree, with white resin patches | Prune out and destroy infected branches in dry weather. Avoid wounding the tree. |
| Root Rot | Wilting, stunted growth, soggy soil | Ensure well-drained soil and reduce watering |
| Cytospora canker | Resin exudation, branch dieback | Prune affected areas and apply fungicide |
Making more Picea
Seed
- Collect seeds from mature cones in fall
- Stratify seeds in moist sand for 4-6 weeks at 4°C
- Sow seeds in well-draining soil in spring
- Keep soil moist and provide full sun
- Seedlings typically emerge in 2-3 weeks
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone
- Plant in a moist, well-draining medium
- Maintain high humidity with a plastic cover
- Roots develop in approximately 6 weeks
Picea questions
How many types of Picea are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 14 distinct Picea varieties. The most popular — ranked by 733 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Picea grow in?
Across its varieties, Picea covers USDA Zones 4–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Picea bloom?
Most Picea varieties bloom in early spring, mid-spring, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Picea should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.