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Temperature

Due to its native origin, Picea glauca ‘Conica’ is best grown in climates with cold winters and cool summers. It does not need frost protection during the winter months. However, in areas where dry cold winters prevail, the plants may need to be covered to prevent desiccation.

 

Light

Plants should be grown in full sun.

 

Crop Timing

It is critical that plants are potted before buds flush in the spring to maintain optimum plant growth. Potting after this developmental stage will result in delayed growth. Transplant while plants are still in winter rest in weeks 48-8 to produce a saleable product starting in week 40.

 

Media

Picea glauca ‘Conica’ must be grown in media with high water holding capacity, while also having adequate air porosity. A minimum of 40% coarse peat moss should be incorporated into the soil mix. Media pH must be kept between 4.5-6.0, because the plants will develop chlorosis at high pH levels. A low rate of 8-9 month slow release fertilizer (16-8-12, for example) may be incorporated in the media.

 

Irrigation

Careful water management is important to ensure that the plants never dry out during the summer months. Drought stress will cause stunting of the growth and loss of plant vigor as well as brown needles. 

 

Fertility

To produce a saleable plant in one season and maintain a pyramidal growing form, this crop will need regular fertilizing. If fertigation is possible, apply a soluble fertilizer (17-7-14, for example) twice weekly at 2.0 EC. In cases where fertigation is not possible, topdressing up to twice a season with a similar ratio fertilizer will be necessary. 

 

Trim

With adequate nutrition, plants will grow in a conical shape and should not need trimming. If plants develop an undesirable form, plants may be trimmed to regain a pyramidal shape.

 

Space

Ensure that plants always have adequate space so as not to be touching each other. If plants grow too close to each other, foliage will quickly become chlorotic.

 

Pest Management

Picea glauca has no serious disease problems. 

Common insect pests include: spider mites, Lepidoptera, and different types of aphids. 

Spider mite frequency can be reduced by irrigation systems such as overhead sprinklers that regularly wet plant foliage. 

Spruce woolly aphids are tricky to control due to the protective covering of the aphids. It is best to treat spruce woolly aphids early before the nymphs develop their woolly layer. Monitor carefully for small aphids and the build up of white woolly residue in the growing tips.