Intro
Picea abies, also known as the Norway spruce is a large, evergreen coniferous tree. Native to Europe, and also known as the European spruce is known to be a very quickly growing tree.
Norway Spruce
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9d/Kuusk_Keila-Paldiski_rdt_%C3%A4%C3%A4res.jpg
The Norway spruce can be propagated in many ways including grafting, but when it comes to propagating from seed, it can be rather simple, you must simply have a viable seed, supply appropriate environmental conditions, and overcome primary and secondary dormancy in order to have a successful propagation.
How To
Seed Collection: If you wish to propagate a spruce from seed, there is always the option to buy the seeds from the store, However, if you have the option to collect seeds from a tree of your own, or with the permission to collect from another location, it is always a great option. When it comes to selecting your seeds, it is best to do it in early to mid fall when they are still young. You will want to select cones that are not completely ripe or split open, but have turned a solid, light brown color. To get the seeds from the cones, you will want to dry them until the cones open and the seeds fall out. This could take approximately two weeks.
Norway Spruce Cone
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/forestry/iowa_trees/tree_id_photos/SPRUCE_NORWAY_fruit.jpg
Pre-treatment/Scarification: Norway spruce trees are normally easy to propagate by seed, but for a detailed summary on pre-treatment you can find it here. Another great method to encourage germination in dormant seeds is through scarification. Scarification is a treatment that allows water to penetrate seeds with a hard seed coat. Stratification can be done by physically or chemically altering the seed coat. The scarification should be done to the point that you can see the white part of the seed, but not to the point that it is cracked or inner parts of the seed are exposed.
Environmental conditions: The main factors that influence germination are water, temperature, aeration, and light. Norway spruce trees do not require warm temperatures in order to germinate. Due the the harsh climate they are accustomed to, artificial heating is not necessary for growth. Also, in normal winter and spring rainy periods, no supplemental water is required. If you reside in a warmer climate, the germination process can simply be done outside in a shaded area.
Aftercare: Aftercare in a area with a warmer climate is rather easy as well. In this climate however, saplings will require approximately an extra two years in order to establish a good root system. During the hottest part of the day, the saplings should be kept in the shade. Be sure to use mildly acidic sandy potting soil, and they can be permanently planted in the ground in fall of their second year.
Conclusion
Norway Spruce Saplings
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcToyd9cxhZ2DDxPr-dnYqTrgcMDJQP3ZmMhIsI-eYNjRsgdqcxz
If you are looking to propagate a Norway spruce tree, seed propagation may not be the best as far as time, but it is definitely an easy inexpensive way to start. When propagating just be sure that you have a viable seed, appropriate environmental conditions, and overcome dormancy.
Works Cited
Click to access spruceseed.pdf