Okay, so im lost when it comes to needle like trees. But i got this little guy in the mail when i put in my code for the Wall-e movie! I believe its a Meyer Spruce but I can't remember. Anyways, Im just curious, for a really small, young tree.. is it really possible for this thing to start growing pine cones? or are those just some kind of new leafs.. just wondering!
They're the foliage buds, producing new shoots and leaves. A bit worrying that it is coming into leaf so early in the year, it could get damaged if you get a frost. The buds shouldn't really be growing until April or May. If it is in a pot, keep it somewhere well-lit but chilled to around 2 to 5°C, to discourage it from further growth, but also protected from frost.
Thank you.. the seedling is indoors and its in a pot. We RARELY get any frost out here in California. Again thank you!
In that case, best to plant it outdoors, and put a shelter over it for any nights when a frost is forecast. I'm afraid though, that if it is Picea meyeri, it won't grow well for you in the long term, as it is not adapted to mild climates. It would do better somewhere like Tahoe City.
Quickness to bud out in spring can be a sign that a plant is native to a cold continental climate, where once it warms up to a certain point it stays that way - and the growing season may be comparatively short. In milder maritime climates such plants may be subject to getting caught by spring frosts. I see that your specimen appears to have had a previous year's terminal bud killed by something and replaced by shoots coming from around the side of it.
