Last Updated on April 4, 2024 by Real Men Sow
It’s December already, Christmas is coming soon! There is no Christmas without THE Christmas tree, right? If you have not known already, you can grow your own Christmas tree in pots, yes, right inside your home too.
Once you are done plating your overwintering veggies, you can start growing your own Christmas tree too, in pots. Let’s dive into the specifics in this December post.
Is Growing Christmas Trees in Pots Really Possible?
Everyone loves Christmas trees, it’s a good thing that there are other options than buying and disposing of Christmas trees annually. A pot can be used to grow a Christmas tree indoors. Although it is best to place your Christmas tree indoors as soon as possible, this will make it more efficient. They should also be kept indoors for no more than 12 days.
How long does the Christmas Tree Stay in Pots?
Dropping needles can help your plant look better. Although Christmas trees can be grown in pots, they will only last for a few months as they are not well suited to being in pots. For the best chance at success, you can still grow Christmas trees indoors in large containers.
Types of Christmas Trees (Well-known Varieties) Growing in Pots
- Norway Spruce – a great choice, as it’s usually the most affordable and has the sharpest needles. It also has the traditional shape.
- Fraser Fir – A newcomer in comparison to the other types, it has a hint of tinted blue and are generally narrower making them suitable for tight spaces.
- Nordman Fir – This type is very popular and has a great shape. However, they can be a bit wider at the base than most other types and so require a little more space.
- Pine tree – These traditional Christmas trees are often from Scotland. They can be quite wide, but have plenty of space between the branches. This makes it easier to hang Christmas decorations.
- Blue Spruce – This variety has been very popular. They can be grown in larger pots and have beautiful blue needles that look amazing.
Growing Christmas Trees in Pots – Step-by-Step
Choose The Right Pot
You can successfully plant any of these conifers in a pot if you choose them young. You can expect them to grow significantly each year so make sure you choose a large pot. Also, a wider pot will ensure it is more stable. Pot grown Christmas trees can grow to 2-3 feet without the pot. If you choose a larger pot than the pot, it will allow you to pot it up each year until it becomes too heavy. It is best to either plant the tree in the ground, or invest in a new one.
Always Choose a Pot-grown Tree
You can get potted trees from a nursery or pot-grown trees. If you plan to keep the tree in the pot, the pot-grown trees will be the best. A potted tree is not a tree that has been grown in the ground. It must be removed from the ground before it can be used to plant the plant. They almost always die because they have too many roots removed. If they are well cared for, pot grown trees will keep their roots intact. If the tree is pot grown, it will be marked on the label. Always double-check.
General Care for Potted Christmas Trees
Display in a Cool Room
To reduce stress, it is best to place the tree in a cool room. People think of the classic decorated tree next to a fire pit. However, this will deplete moisture and cause needle drop. It can also lead to fires.
Display for no longer than 12 days in a cool room or display outdoors
These trees can be decorated outdoors in their pots or brought indoors for Christmas. It is best to bring the tree indoors for Christmas as late as possible, like a week before Christmas Day. The tree should not be kept indoors for longer than 12 days. It should be taken outside if it appears unhappy or has changed its stature.
How to Repot Christmas Trees in Pots
You should re-pot the tree if it is growing too large for its container. To loosen the roots, water it and then tease them to get rid of any old compost. A good potting soil compost that is soil-based and will retain moisture better. It will also help to keep the tree upright. After repotting, water well.
How to Move Christmas Trees Outside after Christmas
You have two options: either move the tree outside after Christmas and plant it in the ground so you have another tree to decorate next year, or you can keep the tree in the pot, but make sure to repot it as necessary. The pots that they come in are usually a little smaller than usual, likely to make it easier to transport the tree from the Christmas tree farms to the local garden centres.
It’s best to let it adjust to outdoor temperatures for a few weeks after Christmas. It might be a good idea to dig the hole when the ground and weather are warm, if you know that you will move the tree outside after Christmas. This will make it much easier than digging the ground frozen or near frozen. The soil will also thaw much quicker on milder days.
When you are ready to plant, make sure that the hole is slightly larger than your root ball. To loosen the roots and make it easy to remove from the pot, water the plant well. Fill the hole with the tree and then fill the rest of the area with soil. It should be watered well.
Watering and Feeding a Christmas Tree
Trees should be kept well-watered and kept cool. If soil is drying out, water it. You can water the soil more frequently if it is very warm. To ensure that the tree is strong and healthy for winter, you can add fertiliser to the soil. Christmas trees that are grown in pots need to be watered regularly, particularly during summer and warm dry spells.
Pruning the Tree
It is easy to prune the Christmas tree. These trees are very hardy and can be pruned whenever you notice a dying or dead branch. It is possible to remove any new growth that threatens the shape of traditional Christmas trees. This will ensure that your tree is prepared for winter and festive season by regularly pruning.
