Nordmann fir
Nordmann fir
Credit: Sten Porse
Nordmann fir foliage
Nordmann fir foliage
Credit: Franz Xaver
Nordmann fir pine cones
Nordmann fir pine cones
Credit: MPF
Pine cones Abies nordmanniana
Pine cones Abies nordmanniana
Credit: Joh Gibson
Nordmann fir needles
Nordmann fir needles

Abies nordmanniana, Nordmann fir

Abies nordmanniana grows wild only in Turkey and the northern Caucasus. Resistant to the dry heat of our winter interiors, this tree has become the family Christmas tree of choice, overtaking the norway spruce (Picea abies var. Abies).

How to recognize Abies nordmanniana, the Nordmann fir?

Abies nordmanniana is an evergreen tree reaching 50 meters in height. It has a conical or pyramidal crown.

The straight trunk measures up to two meters in diameter. Young Nordmann firs are covered with smooth, gray bark. This becomes brown, rough and cracked in mature conifers. Branches grow low on the trunk. Ascending towards the crown, they are horizontal at the base of the tree.

Linear needles are arranged in two planes. Dark green on the upper surface, with a lighter underside. They are no more than three centimetres long and three millimetres wide, and do not prick. The evergreen leaves give off an orange scent.

The male cones carry pollen and are one to two centimetres long. The ovoid pine cones, with their pointed apex, are up to 20 centimetres long and five centimetres wide. They contain the brown, triangular seeds.

Abies nordmanniana is not a toxic plant. And since its needles are not prickly, it poses no danger to you or your pets.

Our maintenance tips

Consider the growth of your Nordmann fir before planting it. The largest specimens exceed several dozen meters in height and should therefore be installed where they won't get in anyone's way.

WateringWatering

Nordmann fir trees like to keep soil moist, but not soggy. Water when the soil surface is dry (two to three centimetres).

Water the substrate with non-calcareous water, such as rainwater, at room temperature.

Allow the water to drain through the drainage holes before replacing the plant. Empty out any water stagnating in the saucer or planter. It may rot the roots.

SpraySpray

Spraying foliage with non-calcareous water (e.g. Mineral water or rainwater) helps to maintain humidity levels.

RepottingRepotting

Choose a pierced terracotta pot. This material ensures more uniform evaporation of water and prevents root rot. The container should be deep so as not to topple under the weight of the plant and allow your Abies nordmanniana subsp. Nordmanniana to grow. Gravel or clay balls can be placed at the bottom to improve drainage.

Pour in a layer of rich potting soil, such as potting soil for acid-loving plants. Plant your Abies nordmanniana subsp. Nordmanniana. The root ball should be three to five centimetres below the edge to form a watering trough. Add potting soil.

Press down and water until the water runs off through the drainage holes to encourage rooting.

FertilizationFertilization

To promote the growth of your Abies nordmanniana subsp. Nordmanniana, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Fertilize your Nordmann fir with a conifer fertilizer once a month. Follow the dosage and manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging the foliage.

PrunePrune

Your Nordmann fir does not need pruning. On the contrary, pruning could be detrimental to its growth.

You can, however, remove dead branches in early summer using a clean, sharp tool, such as pruning shears.

PlantationPlantation

Soak your Nordmann fir to rehydrate the root ball.

Meanwhile, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. Plant your Nordmann fir. The rootball should be level with the soil. Fill in with a mixture of garden soil and universal potting compost. You can add fertilizer if your soil is poor.

Press down and water thoroughly to help the plant take root.

SeedlingSeedling

Your seeds are more likely to germinate if you stratify them cold.

Fill an airtight bag (e.g. A freezer bag) with potting soil for seedlings and plantations. Moisten the substrate. Bury your seeds in the potting soil, close the bag and place it in a place where the temperature is between 0 and 5°C for three weeks (refrigerator, garage).

Check your seeds regularly to make sure the potting soil stays moist and doesn't rot. As soon as a seed germinates, you can plant it.
Pour seedling and planting soil into cups. Plant your seed a centimetre deep. Spray the substrate to moisten it.

Place your seedlings in a bright spot where the temperature does not exceed 15°C.

Diseases / Threats

Information

Family Pinaceae - Pinaceae
Type Abies - Abies
Species Nordmann fir - Abies nordmanniana subsp. nordmanniana
Lifecycle Perennial
Foliage Evergreen
Exposure
Substrats
Planting methods
Open ground
In pots
In tubs
Category
Tags
Beginner
Rustic
Origins
Western Asia
Eastern Europe
Hardiness (USDA) 6b
Leaf color
Flower color
Fruit color
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