Description
A stately, giant conifer to over 70 m tall, with a sturdy trunk to 2 m in diameter. It is native to the Pacific coast from southernmost Alaska to northernmost California and in the Rocky Mountains to over 2100 m in southwestern Canada and the northwestern US. In cultivation, it is a highly popular ornamental. It is very hardy even to severe freezes and best suited to temperate climates in USDA hardiness Zones 4 to 8. Seeds germinate easily with or without cold stratification.
Germination Guide
🌍 Pacific Northwest of North America, from Alaska to northern California and east to Montana and Idaho
Moderate
Thuja plicata, commonly known as western red cedar, is a large evergreen conifer native to the Pacific Northwest and revered as the 'Tree of Life' by Indigenous peoples. Seeds have relatively short dormancy and germinate readily with cold stratification, requiring light and consistent moisture for successful establishment.
Germination
Germination time
Expect germination in
14 – 42 days
Temperature
Min 15°C
Ideal 18°C
Max 21°C
Substrate moisture
💧💧 High
Seed Pre-treatment
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Soaking — 24 hours
Soak seeds in room temperature water for 24 hours, then drain completely before stratification.
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❄️
Cold stratification — 30 days at 4°C
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Additional notes
Cold stratification is beneficial for improving germination rates. Seeds can germinate without stratification in natural autumn conditions but stratification significantly increases germination success.
Substrate & Container
Recommended substrate
peat moss-based or mineral soil with vermiculite
Recommended container
seed trays, plug trays, or small pots with drainage holes
Growing Tips
Fall sowing directly outdoors in mulched beds is a practical alternative to indoor stratification. Seeds require light to germinate—do not cover with thick soil. Maintain high humidity during germination to prevent seedling damping-off. Seedlings are highly sensitive to drying and may suffer fatal root damage if moisture is lost. Provide strong indirect light rather than full direct sun during germination.
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