Deodar Cedar — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Cedrus deodara |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–30 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 10–20 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 730–1825 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 609.6–1219.2 |
| Mature height (cm) | 914.4–1828.8 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 457.2–914.4 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 7–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Plant seeds or container-grown trees in spring in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral, deep, fertile to average loamy or sandy soil in full sun; deodar cedar is the standard large landscape conifer of the American South, widely planted as a specimen and shade tree across the Southeast and Pacific Coast in zones 7–9. The graceful, weeping branch tips and the soft, blue-green needles in clusters of 20–30 create one of the most elegant of all large conifers — the drooping leading shoot and pendulous branch tips are immediately distinctive. Native to the western Himalayas of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India, where it is a sacred tree — 'deodar' means 'divine tree' in Sanskrit. Grows rapidly (2–4 feet per year) in good conditions. Makes an outstanding specimen for large lawns where it develops its full, sweeping canopy. The golden-yellow cultivar 'Gold Cone' is striking. More heat-tolerant than the other true cedars, making it the best choice for the Southeast.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0