The Nordmann fir or Abies nordmanniana is a handsome conifer that can attract attention not only in the Christmas room. Shiny needles, fresh green and dense twigs that do not tend to bare even at the lower end of the trunk are what make it so attractive. However, this beauty is delicate and needs to be protected and cared for for the first few years. The Nordmann fir is therefore only partially suitable for inexperienced hobby gardeners and everyone who prefers to relax in the garden than to work.Location
Young Nordmann firs are sensitive to cold wind, frost and strong sunlight. The location must be protected accordingly. Northern, shady corners are well suited. Other plants, hedges and houses as protection against the wind are also ideal.However, these must not be inferior. Since the Abies nordmanniana can reach immense heights of up to 60 meters and corresponding trunk diameters, it needs some space. On the other hand, there is little danger to pipes, cables and masonry from the roots. These mainly spread into the depths because they are tap roots. Since side roots are naturally formed for stabilization, the Abies nordmanniana should still be at least five meters away from houses. Of course, this does not apply if the Nordmann fir is planted and used as a Christmas tree therefore it is felled in good time anyway or never reaches its full size due to local regulations allowed.
Substrate
The Nordmann fir needs a loose soil that does not tend to compact and is well ventilated. A loamy, sandy soil with a high proportion of humus is suitable. It is also an advantage if it can store water well and remains evenly moist. If you do not have this ready, you can mix the soil in the garden with appropriate additives. Sand, leaves and mulch are used for loosening up. Coffee grounds attract earthworms and therefore promote ventilation. Too dry and crumbly soil benefits from clay or clay powder and improves water retention. Rotted compost increases the nutrient content.plants
Anyone who buys a potted Nordmann fir during Christmas time and would like to plant it out after the festival is usually disappointed. Because these often have a damaged root and are therefore not suitable for planting out, but simply die. Before the effort of setting, the end of the root should be checked. If this is broken, planting is usually not worthwhile. In addition to an intact seedling, the following should be observed when planting the Nordmann fir:- Dig up the soil deeply and add additives if necessary according to the tips above. It is ideal to carry out this measure in autumn before planting.
- In early spring, on a frost-free day, loosen the soil again and dig a planting hole. This should be twice as deep and wide as the size of the root ball.
- The seedling is aligned in the planting hole, the soil is filled all around and trodden down.
- The young Nordmann fir is well watered and kept moist for the next few weeks.
- It also makes sense to support the young conifer with a stake.
Culture in the bucket
As already mentioned several times, the Nordmann fir is initially quite sensitive. Above all, frost and blazing sun can affect her. However, as it ages, it becomes more robust. It is therefore particularly useful for very small seedlings. To cultivate these in the tub for the first few years. In this way, the fir tree can grow outdoors from spring to autumn and gradually harden, but be protected from freezing temperatures and excessively strong sunlight. The only thing to note here is that it requires more frequent watering. It is also advisable to give her a bucket that is as tall as possible. The taproot can develop well in this area, which in turn ensures a better start after planting out.to water
When watering the Nordmann fir, you should not proceed too sparingly at the beginning and in the bucket. After it has set in and while it is growing, the Abies nordmanniana needs plenty of water, as it can barely take care of itself. As soon as the roots have grown deeper, the fir can withstand longer periods of drought without any problems. Only when the needles show discoloration should they be watered.Fertilize
In the first year of standing, no further fertilization is necessary, the fresh soil has sufficient nutrients ready. After that, however, it is advisable to give a little help once a year. The simplest variant is to use a long-term fertilizer with a six-month effect. Products for conifers and conifers are suitable. The organic fertilizers described above, such as coffee grounds and compost, are also suitable.Waste
The Abies nordmanniana does not need a blend. If you still use scissors, you must note that the Nordmann fir can no longer sprout at this point if it is cut into the old wood.Realize
The Nordmann fir can only be moved as a seedling. From a height of about one and a half meters it becomes difficult. The tree forms very deep roots if it does not meet any obstacles. It is therefore only possible by digging a very deep hole to move it without damaging this very root. For this reason, it is very important to choose a suitable location.Multiply
The Nordmann fir is propagated through seeds. However, it can take a while for these to develop into a wood suitable for use as a Christmas tree. Because in the first few years it doesn't grow too much. If you still want to try it, you don't have to pay much attention.- Stratify the seeds, so leave them outside in winter or put them in the refrigerator for about a month
- Cover the seeds only lightly with soil and keep them well moist
- make sure there is sufficient brightness
- Be patient, germination will take at least a few weeks
Overwinter
Young Nordmann firs should be well protected in winter or overwintered in the house in a bucket. The following are useful as protection in the open air:- several layers of garden fleece
- old ceilings
- Straw mats
- brushwood
- Mulch
- straw
The tree grate as well as the trunk and branches are to be protected. Frost and winter sun can be dangerous.
Typical pests, diseases and care mistakes
The only thing that is really dangerous to Nordmann firs is the pine shoot, which tamperes with young trees in particular. They can be recognized by the typical curvature of the needle that occurs when the lice suckle. Systemic remedies that penetrate the tree through the roots and protect it from the inside are ideal. In an unfavorable location, too much sun, waterlogging or drought, the Nordmann fir becomes susceptible to fungal infections. Only appropriate fungicides are effective here.Frequently asked questions
- Why does the Nordmann fir have brown needles? - The cause of discolored needles in summer is often a lack of water, which occurs especially in young trees. If the soil is sufficiently moist, a lack of nutrients could also be responsible. With otherwise optimal care, it is also possible that the needles have been burned by the sun.
- Can I even plant a Nordmann fir? - Since the Nordmann fir can become very large, it is not suitable for every plot of land. As a rule, there is nothing against planting, but local restrictions may apply to the height.
Interesting facts about the Nordmann fir as a Christmas tree
The Nordmann fir is considered the most beautiful and noble fir, because it is particularly suitable as a Christmas tree with its rich dark green, symmetrical branches and soft needles. If the Nordmann fir is regularly sprayed with water and the trunk is also watered, its needles will last for several weeks. In Germany, due to its many advantages, the Nordmann fir is predominantly grown today, with the largest growing areas in the Sauerland. The seeds of the Nordmann fir, on the other hand, come from the Caucasus, because this is where this type of fir originally comes from. In the nurseries, seedlings are grown from the seeds, which can then be planted when they are around three years old.The seeds can also be bought in a well-stocked nursery and preferred accordingly. Also at the age of three, the seedlings are then planted in the garden and must be looked after just as carefully. With a little patience, you can also harvest your own Christmas tree after around ten years. Nordmann firs are struck from mid-November and until Christmas Eve, because there are a lot of people who don't live until the 24th. December buy her Christmas tree and even cut it yourself in the forest.
