Cupressus Torulosa, Himalayan Cypress - 0.5 kg Seeds

Himalayan Cypress (Cupressus torulosa) is an elegant evergreen conifer with a dense, conical to columnar crown, drooping branchlets and fine, scale-like aromatic foliage. It is one of the characteristic timber conifers of the western Himalayas and develops a clean, straight bole as it matures.

Its wood is durable, fragrant and termite-resistant, used for construction, furniture and as incense, while resin and foliage yield aromatic oils. The tree is also planted for avenues, shelterbelts, ornamental landscaping and slope stabilisation in hilly terrain. In India it grows naturally and in plantations across the temperate Himalayan belt of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu, typically between 1,000 and 2,800 m.

• Family: Cupressaceae
• Native region: Western Himalayas
• Mature height: 20–45 m
• Growth rate: Moderate

Germinate the small winged seeds in a seed tray of light, free-draining mix. A 3–4 week cold stratification in moist sand breaks dormancy and lifts the germination rate. Surface-sow or barely cover the seed, keep it evenly moist and out of harsh sun, and seedlings appear in roughly 21–30 days. Transplant the hardened seedlings to a cool, well-drained site once they are sturdy.