Growing Cedar Seedlings Indoors: Temporary Care Before Outdoor Planting

Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) Seedling Care

Your 9-11 inch seedlings are likely Incense Cedar (native to CA/OR). They are outdoor trees—indoor conditions cause etiolation (weak, leggy growth).

Immediate Steps

• Pot in 1-gallon containers with well-drained mix.
• Place outdoors in protected, bright shade.
• Water when top inch dry; fertilize lightly now (balanced liquid).

Long-Term

• Overwinter in cold frame/unheated garage (Zone 5+).
• Plant permanently in ground after 1-2 years.
• Mature size: 75-150 ft tall—site accordingly.

Key Point

No need to delay fertilizer. They're in active growth. But they must live outside. Indoor "houseplant" treatment will kill them.

Reference: Calocedrus decurrens on Wikipedia