Juniper Tree

Juniper Tree is a wonderfully hardy evergreen shrub that brings year-round beauty and character to any garden with its fine, aromatic needle-like foliage and naturally sculpted shape. Reaching 10 - 30 feet tall depending on the conditions, this classic juniper forms dense, textured greenery and produces charming small blooms followed by blue, berry-like cones beloved for both ornamental and culinary use. Its tidy, adaptable form makes it just as at home in rock gardens and borders as it is in containers or naturalized landscapes. Gardeners adore this plant for its incredible resilience, drought tolerance, wildlife-friendly berries, and ability to add structure in every season. Growing your own juniper brings the joy of fresh, fragrant clippings for crafts or cooking, the satisfaction of nurturing a long-lived plant, and the timeless beauty of an evergreen that stays stunning no matter the weather.

Also Known As: Common Juniper, Dwarf Juniper, Bonsai Juniper, Mountain Juniper, Alpine Juniper, Juniper Berry Plant, European Juniper, Gemeiner Wacholder, Genévrier Commun, Enebro Común, Nordic Juniper, Wild Juniper.

Plant Name:	Tree, Juniper
Latin Name:	Juniperus communis
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Years to Fruit:	1 - 3 Years
Plant Height:	10 - 30 Feet
Spread:	3 - 6 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	3-9
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 3 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. Soak seeds 24 hours in hot tap water and let stand before cold-stratifying. To stratify, roll seeds in a damp paper towel and place in a resealable bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator to keep seeds at 35F-40F at least 90-120 days, mimicking winter conditions. After the stratification period, seeds should be ready to germinate. To germinate seeds, place the bags in a warm 70F-90F area. After 10 days, plant the seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F, about 1 month after the last expected frost in spring. 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 60F. 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, plant seeds in late summer to naturally cold-stratify seeds. Soak seeds 24 hours in hot tap water prior to sowing. To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 15-30 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:	1/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	3-6 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	3-10 feet

Care During the Season:

Juniper Trees thrive with minimal fuss, but perform best when given full sun, well-drained soil, and light, consistent moisture during its first growing season to establish strong roots. Once mature, it becomes highly drought-tolerant, needing only occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. A thin layer of mulch helps conserve moisture and keep roots cool, but avoid piling it against the trunk. Light pruning in late winter or early spring keeps the plant tidy—just remove dead or damaged branches, since junipers do not regrow from old wood. During the growing season, avoid overwatering, waterlogged soil, or heavy fertilizing, as these can cause root problems; a single application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is plenty.