Norfolk Island Pine Tree Seeds

Bring a touch of the South Pacific to your home or landscape with Norfolk Island Pine Tree Seeds (Araucaria heterophylla). Known for its symmetrical shape, soft evergreen foliage, and distinctive tiered branches, the Norfolk Island Pine is a beautiful tropical evergreen that can be grown outdoors in warm climates or enjoyed as a container and houseplant in cooler regions.

Native to Norfolk Island in the South Pacific, this elegant conifer can eventually develop into a large, impressive tree when grown outdoors in a suitable climate. When grown indoors in containers, its growth is much more manageable, making it a popular ornamental houseplant.

Botanical Information

• Botanical Name: Araucaria heterophylla
• Common Name: Norfolk Island Pine
• Family: Araucariaceae
• Plant Type: Evergreen conifer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Native Range: Norfolk Island, South Pacific
• Mature Height: 100–200+ feet outdoors; considerably smaller when container grown
• Mature Spread: 20–40 feet outdoors
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• USDA Zones: 10–11
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade outdoors; bright light indoors
• Soil Preference: Well-draining, fertile soil
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture without waterlogged soil
• Drought Tolerance: Low to moderate once established
• Salt Tolerance: Moderate
• Deer Resistance: Moderate
• Wildlife Value: Provides shelter and habitat when grown as a mature outdoor tree
• Container Friendliness: Excellent when young; commonly grown as a houseplant
• Landscape Uses: Specimen tree, tropical landscapes, coastal landscapes, containers, patios, and indoor ornamental plant
• Pre-treatment: No cold stratification required

Germination Instructions

Norfolk Island Pine seeds should be planted while fresh because viability can decrease during extended storage.

1. Fill small pots or seed-starting containers with a moist, well-draining seed-starting mix.
2. Plant each seed shallowly, positioning it so that part of the seed remains near or slightly above the soil surface.
3. Gently firm the growing medium around the seed.
4. Keep the soil consistently moist but never saturated.
5. Cover the container with a humidity dome to help maintain consistent moisture and humidity.
6. Place the containers in a warm location with bright, indirect light.
7. Maintain temperatures around 70–80°F for best results.
8. Once seedlings emerge and begin developing, gradually increase ventilation and eventually remove the humidity dome.

Germination can be irregular, so allow adequate time for viable seeds to sprout. Keep the growing medium warm and evenly moist throughout the germination period.

Growing Information

• Provide seedlings with plenty of bright light after germination.
• Keep young plants warm and protected from frost and freezing temperatures.
• Water when the upper surface of the soil begins to dry, but avoid allowing the root zone to remain waterlogged.
• Use containers with good drainage when growing indoors.
• Repot young trees as needed when their roots begin filling the container.
• Norfolk Island Pines appreciate moderate to high humidity, particularly when grown indoors.
• Protect indoor plants from extremely dry air and cold drafts.
• Rotate container-grown plants periodically to encourage balanced, symmetrical growth.
• Outdoor planting is best suited to warm, frost-free climates.
• In colder climates, grow as a container plant that can remain indoors during cold weather.

Seed Quantities Available

• 5 Seeds
• 10 Seeds
• 20 Seeds