How to Grow Christmas Trees in Pots

We all love Christmas trees. They are a renowned symbol of the winter holidays that add an extra dash of excitement and most importantly – a sense of tradition to every house. That is why more and more people are starting to consider growing a Christmas tree in a pot that can conveniently be brought inside the house when Christmas time comes.

However, it can be tricky to grow a potted Christmas tree but don’t let that discourage you. We’ve prepared a simple guide for those willing to take on the task.

So, if you:

• Wondering how to grow Christmas trees in pots;
• Don’t know how to choose the right pot, soil and fertiliser;
• Want to know the most suitable Christmas tree varieties;
• Want to know how to prune a Christmas tree;

Then, read on.

Types of Christmas trees

There are various types of Christmas trees available. However, choosing the best Christmas tree for your home depends on factors such as your space, climate, and personal preferences. Here is what you need to know about each kind:

• Norway Spruce Christmas tree: This is the most traditional and affordable type of Christmas tree that is defined by sharp needles, thin branches and a natural pine scent. It is suitable mostly for cooler zones.
• Fraser Fir Christmas tree: It has a narrow frame, making it ideal for people with limited space. It has short branches, good needle retention and a nice bluish-green tone. It is also the most scented among the Christmas trees.
• Nordmann Fir Christmas tree: This type of Christmas tree has wide, soft needles and a conical structure that requires space. Its tiered frame creates layers and depth, making it good for decoration.
• Pine tree Christmas tree: As a very traditional choice, the pine tree is wide, has spacing between the layers, grows quickly, and is good for warmer climates.
• Blue Spruce Christmas tree: Known for its silvery-blue colour, it is a popular choice partly due to its needle retention and suitability for growing in pots. However, it has very sharp needles that require working with gloves.

How to grow Christmas trees in pots?

The first step when choosing a tree is to decide between a pot-grown Christmas tree and a containerised one. A potted Christmas tree has been cultivated in a pot from the start, ensuring its roots have never been disturbed, while a containerised tree has been grown in the ground before being put into a pot.

Our advice is to always choose a pot-grown Christmas tree as they are more likely to survive longer, whereas a containerised tree is more likely to have its roots damaged when it has been removed from the ground. To stay on the safe side, grow a Christmas tree that has always been in a pot.

What kind of soil do potted Christmas trees like?

Christmas trees grow in a variety of soil conditions, yet, they grow particularly well in loamy, well-moisturised soil. However, as a potted Christmas tree requires good drainage, you need to make sure that the soil you will use to grow your tree drains well and doesn’t contain heavy clay.

To make the soil more fertile, combine it with a small amount of organic compost. The pH level also plays a role when growing Christmas trees in pots. For example, the Norway Spruce and some Pine trees do well with a pH of about 6, while the Blue Spruce favours a pH level of 6.5.

What pot to choose for your Christmas tree?

If properly taken care of, potted Christmas trees grow significantly and that is why they require large enough pots. The tree container must be not only depth but also width enough to make the tree more stable. You may buy a real Christmas tree that comes in a large enough pot but if not, you will need to think about replanting it.

Some of you might choose smaller pots at the beginning and re-pot in larger sizes when the tree outgrows the container. But this can lead to repotting shock. That is why we recommend you choose a large pot with a diameter of 45-50 cm from the beginning. Think about the material of the pot you will buy as well. Choose an easy-to-move-around, sturdy pot made of tough ceramic, terracotta or metal.

How to plant a Christmas tree

Planting a Christmas tree is a simple process. However, first, you need to choose your tree. Pay close attention to the numbers on the pots, which are typically displayed as something like 2-0 or 2-2.

The first number indicates how long the tree has grown in a seedling bed, while the second number shows how long it has been growing in a transplant bed. Typically, 2-2 Christmas trees are ideal for planting in pots, as they are well-established and suited to container growth.

For properly handled planting of your Christmas tree, follow these simple steps:

1. Fill your chosen pot with soil.
2. Dig a hole in the centre, about the same size as the container your tree came in.
3. Gently remove the tree from its nursery pot, keeping the surrounding soil intact.
4. Place the root system into the hole and pack the soil around it firmly.
5. Water your newly planted Christmas tree thoroughly.

Watering and fertilising a potted Christmas tree

To keep your pot-grown tree healthy, it’s essential to maintain proper hydration and place it in a cool place. On average, a Christmas tree requires about a gallon of water per day. However, if you notice the soil is dry, be sure to water your Christmas tree.

When the weather is particularly warm, you may need to water it more frequently, but be careful not to overwater. In case of a draining problem where water is retained in the soil, it’s important to stop watering until the excess water drains.

To grow a healthy Christmas tree, apply fertiliser once a year, ideally in springtime. A standard balanced fertiliser will do the work and provide the tree with the nutrients it needs for optimal growth and longevity.

Repotting your Christmas tree

When your Christmas tree outgrows its current pot, it’s time to move it to a new pot that is a size bigger. The repotting process is quite similar to the steps you followed when you first planted the tree. However, before you begin, water the plant thoroughly to loosen the roots, making it easier to replant.

While repotting, gently remove the old compost stuck around the root system. For best results, use a soil-based potting compost, which is heavier and will provide better stability for your tree. This type of compost also retains moisture more effectively, ensuring the tree stays hydrated and nourished. Once the repotting of your Christmas tree is complete, be sure to water it.

How to prune a pot-grown Christmas tree

Regular pruning is essential for a Christmas tree growing in a pot. It helps maintain its compact size, traditional shape, and overall health. Always be sure to remove any dead or dying branches, as overgrowth can sometimes lead to health problems.

Using pruning shears, trim any protruding branches at an angle and remove buds to prevent the development of a secondary top. If your Christmas tree is growing too tall, prune the top to maintain a healthy-looking plant with good density.

For more detailed advice, check out our blog post on how long a real Christmas tree lasts.

Contact us

Of course, if you prefer to skip the challenges of growing your own tree but still want the charm of a real Christmas tree in your home, we’ve got you covered. At Fantastic Services, we offer the convenience of Christmas tree delivery straight to your doorstep.

Whether you want a lush, fragrant tree for indoors or a beautifully planted one for your garden, we ensure it arrives fresh and ready for the season.

And when the holidays are over, we also provide collection and recycling services to make the clean-up as easy as the set-up. So, book your Christmas tree delivery today and let the holiday spirit fill your home without extra work!

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Image source: Shutterstock / Zuzha