Giant Sequoias and Redwoods are absolute legends in the plant world, growing faster and taller than almost any other tree on the planet. If you’ve ever wondered what makes these titans tick and how they reach such dizzying heights, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the world of these forest giants!
How tall does a Giant Sequoia actually get?
Native to the United States, these trees are the stars of the show in West Coast national parks. In their natural habitat, they easily hit the 300-foot mark. In fact, the world record holder—a Coast Redwood named Hyperion (after the Greek Titan)—stands at a staggering 380 feet in California’s Redwood National Park.
While they might not reach those record-breaking heights in European gardens due to different climate conditions, they’re still no slouches—reaching up to 260 feet is totally possible. And it’s not just about height; their root systems are massive, spreading out horizontally to cover nearly three-quarters of an acre!
How fast do they grow?
Building a giant takes time, and it all starts with a tiny new plant. Whether you’re looking at natural growth or trying your hand at propagation, there are two main ways to get started:
- Starting from cuttings
- Sowing seeds
Keep in mind that young trees are a bit delicate. In colder climates, they won’t survive a harsh winter outdoors and need to overwinter somewhere warm for the first few years. Once they hit about three feet tall, they’re usually hardy enough to stay outside year-round. While keeping them in a container will slow them down at first, once they’re in the ground and established, they can shoot up by as much as three feet per year!
Can you plant a Sequoia in your backyard?
Before you go planting a redwood in your yard, there are a few “big” things to consider:
- Check your local zoning laws regarding maximum tree heights.
- Make sure you have at least 50 feet of open space.
- Keep them far away from any buildings or foundations.
If your local neighborhood association or city hall isn’t on board with a 200-foot neighbor, don’t worry! You can actually keep a Sequoia in a large pot. With regular pruning, you can control its height and even keep it as a very impressive indoor statement piece.
