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 be conveniently brought inside the house when Christmas time comes.

With the festive season just around the corner, it is only natural to wonder how to grow a sustainable Christmas tree at home. However, you better have a very large pot in hand. The tree will also need a lot of light, water and good drainage. Growing a Christmas tree can be tricky but don’t let that discourage you as we have prepared this simple guide for those of you who are up for the challenge.

So, if you:

• Want to learn more about growing Christmas trees in pots;
• Want to know the most suitable Christmas tree varieties;
• Don’t know how to choose the right pot, soil and fertiliser;
• Are wondering how to prune a Christmas tree;

Then, read on.

How to grow Christmas trees in pots?

First, you need to decide between a container-grown tree or containerised one. The first are trees that have always been grown in pots and the latter are trees that have been grown in the ground but dug up to be put in a pot.

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

Choose the right Christmas tree variety

There are several Christmas tree varieties and if you want to choose the right tree  for your home, here is what you need to know about each kind:

• Norway Spruce: The most traditional and affordable option that is defined by sharp needles, thin branches and natural pine scent. It is suitable mostly for cooler zones.
• Fraser Fir: It has a narrower frame, making it ideal for people with limited space. It has shorter branches, good needle retention and a nice bluish-green tone. It is also the most scented among the Christmas trees.
• Nordmann Fir: This variety 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: 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: 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.

Choose the right soil

As Christmas trees require 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. Christmas trees grow in a variety of soil conditions, yet, they grow particularly well in loamy, well-moisturised soil. 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. For example, the Norway Spruce and some Pine trees do well in pH of about 6, while the Blue Spruce favours a pH level of 6.5.

Choose the right pot size and material

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

Some of you might choose to go for smaller pots in 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.

Planting your tree

Planting a Christmas tree is a very straightforward process. However, first, you need to choose your tree. Pay attention to the numbers on the pots. They will look something like 2-0 or 2-2. The first number means how long the plant has spent in a seedling bed and the second shows how long it grew in a transplant bed. Normally, 2-2 trees are ideal for pot planting.

For a properly handled planting, check our step-by-step guide:

1. Fill the 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 nursing pot, along with the surrounding soil.
4. Put the rooting system down in the hole and pack the soil in.
5. Water your new Christmas tree.

Watering and fertilising

Christmas trees need to be kept well-hydrated and in cool places. An average Christmas tree requires around a gallon of water per day but if you notice that the soil looks dry, water your plant. When the weather is particularly warm, remember to water more frequently. Still, be careful not to overwater your tree.

In case of a draining problem where water is retained in the soil, stop the watering. To provide your tree with the necessary nutrients for its health, apply fertiliser once a year during springtime. A standard balanced fertiliser will do the work.

Repotting

Once your Christmas tree outgrows its pot, opt for a new pot that is a size bigger. The steps required for repotting aren’t much different from the steps you did when you originally planted the tree. Follow them but water your plant before the transplant to make the roots looser.

Also, try removing the old compost that is stuck in the roots system. Use soil-based potting compost, which is heavier and will keep the tree steadier. It will also maintain the moisture better and ensure nourishment. Once you are done with the repotting, finish by watering your Christmas tree.

Pruning a pot grown Christmas tree

Regular pruning is important for a Christmas tree growing in a pot. It will help maintain its compact size, the traditional shape and improve its health. Make sure you always cut off any dead or dying branches. Sometimes overgrowing can lead to health issues. Using pruning shears, cut back at an angle any protruding branches and remove buds to avoid developing a secondary top. If your tree is growing especially in height, make sure to prune its top to maintain a healthy-looking tree with good density.

Check our thorough blog post if you want to know how long does a real Christmas tree last.

Contact us

Having a lovely Christmas tree delivered to your door, doesn’t that sound nice? Fantastic Services are ready to save the Christmas day with a long-lasting, scented evergreen tree brought right to you and planted in your garden, should you wish for it. Moreover, once the holidays are finished and you don’t know what to do with your tree anymore, we offer a collection and recycling service that will easily save you the trouble. Book a Christmas tree delivery today and enjoy an authentic Christmas atmosphere.

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Image source: Shutterstock / Zuzha