Cedar of Lebanon Tree Seeds

The Cedar of Lebanon is one of the world's most legendary and majestic evergreen trees, prized for its broad, flat-topped crown, graceful horizontal branches, and fragrant evergreen foliage. Native to the mountains of the eastern Mediterranean, this long-lived conifer has been admired for thousands of years and is frequently planted as a specimen tree in parks, estates, botanical gardens, and large landscapes. With its exceptional longevity, drought tolerance once established, and stately appearance, the Cedar of Lebanon is an outstanding choice for gardeners looking to grow a truly iconic tree from seed.

Botanical Information

• Botanical Name: Cedrus libani
• Common Name: Cedar of Lebanon
• Family: Pinaceae
• Plant Type: Evergreen Conifer Tree
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Native Range: Lebanon, Syria, Turkey
• Mature Height: 40–80 feet (can exceed 100 feet under ideal conditions)
• Mature Spread: 30–60 feet
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
• Sun Requirements: Full Sun
• Soil Preference: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soils
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.0–8.0)
• Water Needs: Moderate during establishment; drought tolerant when mature
• Drought Tolerance: High once established
• Salt Tolerance: Moderate
• Deer Resistance: Moderate
• Wildlife Value: Provides shelter for birds and small wildlife
• Container Friendly: Suitable only while young
• Landscape Uses: Specimen tree, parks, estates, botanical gardens, windbreaks, large landscapes
• Germination Rate: 30–50%
• Pre-Treatment Required: Seed requires 28 days cold moist stratification.

Seed Quantities Available

• 1 oz. - Approximately 372 Seeds
• 1/4 lb. - Approximately 1,248 Seeds
• 1 lb. - Approximately 4,992 Seeds

Growing Instructions

For improved germination, place the seeds in a moist growing medium such as peat moss or vermiculite and refrigerate for approximately 28 days. After stratification, sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged and maintain temperatures between 65–75°F. Germination generally occurs over several weeks. Seedlings grow best in bright light and should be transplanted once they develop a strong root system.

Why Grow Cedar of Lebanon?

• Famous historic evergreen with timeless beauty
• Develops a broad, majestic architectural canopy
• Long-lived tree that can thrive for centuries
• Excellent specimen for large landscapes and parks
• Fragrant evergreen needles provide year-round interest
• Drought tolerant after establishment
• Cold hardy and adaptable to a variety of well-drained soils
• An excellent heirloom tree for future generations