Abies (Firs) variety

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Abies concolor NM, Cibola

Tree

Full sun to part shade

What's special about Abies concolor NM, Cibola

Concolor Fir, White Fir

Growing this variety

Abies concolor NM, Cibola follows the same growing basics as Abies (Firs). Variety-specific maturity above; everything else below applies to the whole Abies (Firs) family.

Season

Sow stratified seed in early spring; collect fresh seed in fall

USDA zones

Varies by species — most are hardy in zones 4–8

Sun

Full sun to part shade

Start indoors

After stratification, start in deep pots 8–12 weeks before transplant

Direct sow outdoors

Fall sowing works for many species (natural cold stratification over winter)

Days to harvest

Not applicable — ornamental/timber tree

Germination

Germination time

20–60 days after stratification

Soil temperature

65–75°F (18–24°C) after cold treatment

Spacing & depth

Sow depth

1/8–1/4 in (3–6 mm); very small seeds surface-sown

Seed spacing

1–2 in (2–5 cm) apart in flats

Mature plant spacing

Final: give the mature tree its full canopy width

Row spacing

N/A — transplant individually

How to plant

Stratify seed as noted. Sow in deep tree pots (tall root trainers) filled with well-drained mix. Keep evenly moist and in bright light after germination. Grow on for 1–2 seasons before planting out to a permanent, well-prepared site with a wide mulch ring.

Pre-sow treatment

Cold stratification

30–90 days cold stratification at 34–41°F (1–5°C) in damp sand or peat improves germination.

Grower's tip

True fir (Abies) species prefer cool, moist summers and well-drained, acidic soils; protect young seedlings from intense afternoon sun.

Soil preferences

Soil type

Deep, well-drained native soil. Avoid amending the planting hole heavily — roots should learn to grow into the surrounding earth.

pH range

5.5–7.5 depending on species (conifers lean acidic; most hardwoods neutral).

Amendments

Top-dress with compost and mulch in a wide ring; don't backfill with pure compost.

Watering

Frequency

Deep soak weekly the first two years while roots establish; taper once the tree self-supports.

Method

Slow trickle at the drip line, not the trunk. A 5-gal bucket with a pinhole is ideal.

Over vs. under

Overwatered: yellowing, root rot, mushroom collar. Underwatered: leaf scorch, early leaf drop.

Top-water or bottom-water?

Prefers top-watering — Trees are always top-watered — deep slow soak at the drip line, never at the trunk. Bottom-watering only makes sense for nursery seedlings.

Temperature tolerance

Ideal daytime air temp

Broad — most species tolerate 40–90°F once established

Ideal nighttime air temp

Down to species-rated USDA zone minimum

Frost sensitivity

Hardy once established; young seedlings need protection their first winter.

Special germination requirements

Most temperate tree seed needs cold stratification (30–120+ days at 34–41°F) — see each species entry for the exact time.

Container growing

Container-suitable?

Possible with the right cultivar

Recommended pot size

Deep tree pots (root trainers) for the first 1–2 seasons; permanent site required for full growth.

Notes

Only dwarf, patio, or bonsai forms live long-term in containers.

Detailed harvesting

Not applicable for ornamental/timber trees. Nut and fruit species — pick when they drop naturally.

Post-harvest storage & preservation

Nuts: keep damp and cool, sow promptly. Winged/coned seed: dry, cool, dark in a sealed jar.

Culinary, medicinal & other uses

Shade, windbreak, wildlife habitat, timber, ornament, and long-term carbon storage.

Medicinal or traditional uses are shared for interest only — this is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before using any plant medicinally.

Seed saving

Pollination

Wind- or insect-pollinated; seedlings rarely match the parent exactly (especially named cultivars — those must be grafted or cutting-grown).

Isolation needs

Not practical for trees. Expect variation.

How to save

Collect fully ripe seed in fall, clean, dry or keep damp per species, then cold-stratify before spring sowing.

Your zone's planting calendar

Pick your USDA hardiness zone and we'll estimate the key dates for abies (firs) in your area. These are regional averages — always check your own last-frost forecast before sowing.

USDA zone

My Abies concolor NM, Cibola Abies (Firs) notes

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Abies concolor NM, Cibola Abies (Firs) seeds on hand

Track packets and loose seeds you already have. Private to your account.

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From your kitchen — grow abies (firs) from what you already have

Trees usually mean patience — collect fully ripe seed in fall, clean pulp off, and give most species a cold winter (real or in the fridge) before they'll germinate.

1Collect ripe seed/nuts/cones in autumn from a healthy parent.
2Clean off any fleshy pulp; dry cones warm to release seed.
3Cold-stratify in a bag of damp sand or peat in the fridge (34–41°F) for the time listed on the species.
4Sow in deep tree pots and grow on 1–2 seasons before planting to a permanent spot.

Storage: Most tree seed keeps 1–3 years cool and dry; oak/hickory/chestnut nuts must stay damp and be sown promptly.