Are they in containers?

If yes, even before they germinate. Most professional propagators incorporate slow release fertilzers and micronutrients into the media seedlings are grown in.

Whitcomb in plant production in containers cites studies that indicate if you do not - seedlings dont catch up to fertilized seedlings in size even after many years.

Fertilizer "burn" is something of a misnomer, but that's neither here nor there....

Hi Nate. Here's a link that might be of interest regarding your seedling question.

If you search on Google there are other similar pages that discuss fertilizing conifers.

Good luck!

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Growing conifers from seed

Thanks a lot! I will adjust my methods accordingly.

Nate

You are welcome. I'm growing some 2nd year conifer seedlings in containers as well. It's quite an education. =)

Best of luck!

Keep in mind that most potting mixes in use today are "soiless", consisting entirely of peat and perlite. This type of mix offers several advantages, but has no nutrients to speak of. Hence the need to fertilize. Most commercial greenhouses injct water soluble fertilizer directly into the water they use for plants. This is typically done at very low rates and the plants receive a constant low rate of nutrients each time they are watered. Planting the trees in actual soil is a completely different thing and in this situation, it has been demonstrated that plants will develope their root systems faster in a low-fertility environment.

If I was gonna fertilize seedlings, it would be at a very low rate.

+oM

There's an interesting thread in the Container's forum about growing plants in containers. The author suggests growing plants, including conifers, in a rather inorganic medium of Turface, crushed granite and pine/fir bark. He also talks about various fertilizers. You might find it interesting reading although it does cover a variety of plants and growing mediums.

Next year I plan on using this medium for my 3 year old concolor firs.

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/contain/msg0201290112896.html

Happy reading!

Dave

Very well composted, dehydrated cow manure any time over the root zone don't bury the stem.