Growing Eucalyptus
This is how we sow Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is best sown 10-12 weeks before the last frost. But can be sown year-round, as long as you provide extra light.
We mix potting soil with perlite, which drains the soil while maintaining the right amount of moisture. The perlite absorbs a certain amount of moisture in the soil, which is then released when needed.
Plant in a larger pot immediately as the eucalyptus roots need plenty of space and are a bit sensitive to repotting. Place the seed directly on the moistened soil, the seeds are light-germinating, but cover with a thin layer of vermiculite, this ensures a more even moisture on the surface and keeps the seed in place. Cover the seed with plastic and air holes until the seeds germinate. If you have a heating mat, you can place the seed on it until it starts to germinate. Air it occasionally.
When they have started to sprout and the first pairs of leaves have emerged, we remove the plastic and place them under grow lights at room temperature.
Most eucalyptus species prefer acidic soil, so it is best to replant them in rhododendron soil.
Plant them in a sunny location.
Sowing Eucalyptus requires patience at first, but then they pick up speed and are so worth the wait. Being able to see your tiny shoots grow into small trees is such a wonderful feeling!
Everyone should try growing Eucalyptus!
Overwintering Eucalyptus
When the cold weather slowly sets in in the fall, you may find yourself with large plants that need to be overwintered.
Eucalyptus originally comes from Australia. Most species cannot tolerate frost and therefore need to be brought inside to a frost-free place during the winter.
They retain their gray-green leaves during the winter and therefore need a lot of light even in winter to survive.
Plants that lose their leaves during the winter, such as Figs can stand in the dark but frost-free, unlike those that retain their leaves which require light. If you don't have a bright place, extra plant lighting can be good.
So a cool, but frost-free, bright place during the winter is most optimal for Eucalyptus.
Photo: Eucalyptus "Boxwood"