Monkey Puzzle Tree

Monkey Puzzle Trees are striking evergreens that can grow 30–70 feet tall over time, showcasing dramatic, spiraled branches covered in unique, scale-like leaves that give it an otherworldly appearance. This tall architectural tree produces large cones with 250 2" long nuts per cone that resemble corn or chsestnut, and tastes excellent roasted. Its long lifespan and slow, steady growth make it a lasting legacy tree, perfect for those who appreciate plants with history and character. This hardy species thrives in cool, temperate climates, cold-hardy down to -10F, and handles poor soils surprisingly well, making it adaptable and rewarding to grow. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, and its unusual form adds depth and texture to gardens that crave something extraordinary.

Also Known As: Chilean Pine, Araucaria Araucana, Pehuén, Pine De Chile, Chilean Araucaria, Monkey Tail Tree, Living Fossil, Pehuen Pine, Chile Pine, Puzzle Pine.

Plant Name:	Tree, Monkey Puzzle
Latin Name:	Araucaria araucana
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Days to Bloom:	15 - 20 Years
Years to Fruit:	30 - 40 Years
Plant Height:	50 - 80 Feet
Spread:	20 - 30 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	6-11
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 40 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require a short cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. To prepare, soak seeds 48 hours in hot tap water. To cold-stratify, Roll seeds in a damp paper towel or mix with moist sand and place in a resealable bag and place bags in the refrigerator, keeping the seeds at 35F-40F for 10-15 days. After the cold stratification period, sow seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and place the pots in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 65F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, first soak seeds for 48 hours then cold-stratify for 2 weeks indoors before planting in spring in a sunny location. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 30 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	20-30 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	30 feet

Care During the Season:

Monkey Puzzle is a long-lasting, slow-growing tree. Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, especially in its early years, while ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Provide full sun to partial shade to help it develop strong structure and vibrant evergreen foliage. Apply a light layer of mulch around the base to maintain moisture and regulate soil temperature, but keep it away from the trunk. Avoid heavy fertilization—this tree prefers lean soils—though a small amount of balanced fertilizer in spring can support healthy growth. Monitor for pests or diseases, though they are rare, and allow plenty of space around the tree to accommodate its wide, dramatic branching pattern as it matures.

Harvesting:

Monkey Puzzle Tree's large, edible seeds, which are found inside mature cones can be collected when they naturally ripen and come apart in late summer to early fall. Once the cones begin to loosen or fall from the tree, gather them from the ground and gently separate the scales to release the large, nut-like seeds. Avoid picking cones directly from the branches, as they are heavy, tightly attached, and still developing. After harvesting, the seeds can be eaten fresh, roasted, or saved for planting.