Everything you need to know about growing eucalyptus seeds
There are many different kinds of eucalyptus seeds, so it’s very important to know exactly what variety you have before you begin trying to grow them. There are more than 700 different kinds of eucalyptus, most of which are native to Australia. The best climate to grow eucalyptus in is the warmer tropical climates that are closer to the equator, but just about anyone can try to germinate eucalyptus seeds on their own.
Germinating the seeds
Just start with eucalyptus seeds from your local garden center. Put them on top of a single layer of paper towels. Make sure that you spread out the seeds into an even layer. Then, place a second paper towel over top of the seeds. Place the packaged seeds into a plastic bag, and pour a couple of tablespoons of water into the bag. Make sure that you leave the bag open so the air can flow in and out of it, and then put it into the refrigerator.
The reason it’s so important that you know what kind of eucalyptus you have is because different varieties require different lengths of time to germinate. In general, most varieties of eucalyptus will require four to six weeks in the refrigerator to begin germinating. It won’t hurt the seeds if you leave them in the cool air for longer than they actually need, so you may want to aim for six weeks in the refrigerator just to be on the safe side.
Planting the seeds
After you remove the seeds from the refrigerator, it’s time to actually plant the seeds. Remember, if you live in a cooler climate, then you’ll probably want to keep your eucalyptus as a potted plant inside your house. Just make sure you have a plan either way by the time you remove the seeds from the refrigerator. You’ll probably want to start by planting the seeds in a small seed tray, even if you plan to eventually move the plants outdoors. Just fill the seed tray with potting soil until it’s most of the way full. Then you’ll need to plant one or two seeds in each compartment. Don’t forget to put a little bit more potting soil over the tops of the seeds after you plant them. Just be careful that you don’t add too much, or it will make it difficult for the seeds to grow.
Caring for the seeds
You’ll need to water the seeds right after you plant them and place them in direct sunlight. Also don’t forget to check the soil every day to see if the seeds need more water. You want to keep the soil most but not soggy. You should start to see eucalyptus plants in about one or two weeks. Overall, eucalyptus plants are very easy to grow, even for people with the blackest thumbs. Other than water, the only other thing to keep in mind is that the soil will need to have a relatively neutral pH for the plants to stay healthy.