2016-17 Winter crop is growing

Русский

This winter started warmer then usual but then swung into below average with full force. Unfortunately not a lot of snow covered the ground before -15F (-26C) air moved in.

Dec 17, 2016 Temperatures in degrees Celsius

Germination of both sequoias and Doug-fir seeds has accelerated. However, there is a significant difference between seeds purchased in 2013 and in 2016. 2013 ones are germinating at a 10x rate of 2016's: approximately 50 vs 5.

Germinated 2013 sequoia seeds on Dec 17, 2016

Four previously germinated seedlings from 2013 batch died. The only germinated previously 2016 seedling also died.

4 previously germinated seedlings from 2013 died. One (top right) 2016 seedling also died. Dec 17, 2016

New seeds that germinated during last 10 days were moved into the containers. I re-used the markers instead of discarding them, which will explain the reason for a mix of higher and lower numbers in the pictures that follow. I do not see much value in knowing exactly which seedlings died at this age.

53 germinated seedlings, Dec 17 2016

The picture above shows a mix of both 2013 (300-347) and 2016 (348-352) batches.

While some seedlings already perished, some have sprouted second generation needles. Here is a close-up picture of one such seedling:

303 three weeks old showing secondary needles. Dec 17, 2016 

Doug-fir is germinating much faster than last year for some reason.

26 Doug-fir seeds germinated in two weeks

Norway spruce continues to grow vigorously in one large container:

Norway spruce two weeks after germination. Dec 17 2016

I continue to water sequoias, Doug-fir and Norway spruce with Chlorothoalnil mixture for now.