Giant Sequoias are the largest trees in the world by volume and are native to the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. The seeds of these trees require full sun and relatively fertile soil germinate and grow. In other words, the seeds and resulting seedlings need very little competition from other plants to survive. In nature, these trees overcome this obstacle by primarily releasing seeds from the female cones during wildfires. The dry heat resulting from a fire causes the cones to open and promotes seed dispersal. The wildfire has cleared away vegetation close to the ground and has provided fertility to the young germinating seeds. Additionally, the bark of the Giant Sequoias is rather fire resistant, so the parental trees will not die from a typical wildfire. Giant Sequoias require a large volume of water once they are established which is why they are generally found in nature close to streams.
Giant Sequoias are giant, evergreen coniferous trees native to the western Sierra Nevada Mountains in California.
| Plant Types: | Perennial, Tree |
| Light: | Full Sun |
| Height: | 90 feet to 200 feet |
| Width: | 25 feet to 35 feet |
| Zones: | 6a to 9b |
| Leaf Color: | Blue, Green |
| Special Features: | Attracts birds, North American native |
| Shape: | Columnar, Pyramidal |
| Fertilizer: | Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, Miracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed® Continuous Release All Purpose Plant Food |
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It is important to recognize that these trees will get very large and you should have a garden that can accommodate their eventual size. In spring plant seeds in pots and protect the saplings from cold snaps. After 2 years of growth, they can be planted in the ground.
Giant Sequoias thrive in full sun. They are not as tall as their relatives (Sequoia sempervirens). In their native environment they can reach 310' tall, but they have massive trunks. Trunks can reach close to 60' in diameter. Giant Sequoias are hardier than Coast Redwoods. They perform better in colder, higher elevations than they would along the coasts.
They need regular water once established. Provide moderately fertile soil that drains very well.
Outside of their native climate, they are subject to being attacked from fungal diseases.