Start eucalyptus from seed 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost. Sow on the surface or under a light cover, and do not tear the seedlings when you transplant.
Sow on the surface, 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| When | 8 to 10 weeks before planting out | Sowing outdoors before frost |
| Depth | Press on the surface, or a light cover | Burying the seed a half inch down |
| Heat | Warm mix, about 75 to 80°F if you can | A cold windowsill that never germinates |
| Roots | Deep cells; transplant with the plug whole | Pricking out and tearing the taproot |
Sow into cells 8 to 10 weeks before you plant out, and cover the seed only lightly. [1] Warm mix sprouts in about two weeks; cooler mix takes longer. [2] The fruit is a many-seeded capsule. [3] In a cold climate the seedling is often grown as an annual or a pot plant. [4]
Do eucalyptus seeds need light?
Do not bury them. Press them on the mix, or use a dusting of mix so light still reaches the seed.
How to start eucalyptus from seed
- Fill deep cells with a draining seed mix. Moisten it so it is damp, not soggy.
- Sow 1 to 3 seeds per cell. Press them onto the surface and cover lightly. Bottom-water or mist so the seed stays put.
- Keep the tray warm and humid until sprouts show, then remove any cover and give bright light. Thin to one seedling per cell if more than one germinates.
- Harden off and transplant after frost, with the plug whole. Do not tease the roots. Set the plug at the same depth it grew in the cell. Wait until nights stay frost-free. A nursery tree uses Planting Eucalyptus.
How long until they sprout?
About 7 to 14 days in warm mix. Cooler rooms take longer. Keep the surface moist, not flooded.
What fails with seed
Buried seed often never comes up. A torn seedling stalls. Planting out before frost kills the first flush. Cuttings are a poor bet for home gardeners — seed is the usual start. Direct-sow outdoors only where the soil stays warm all year; most of the country starts in cells. A nursery tree in the ground is Planting Eucalyptus.
If the seed is buried, sow a fresh cell on the surface — do not wait on a dark tray.
FAQ
Can I plant a nursery tree instead?
Yes. Set the ball at grade and do not tease the roots. That hole is on Planting Eucalyptus.
Do I need the fridge?
Most florist and garden seed does not need a cold spell. Warm mix and a light cover are the usual start.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Johnny's Selected Seeds -
https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/flowers/eucalyptus/eucalyptus-key-growing-information.html - [2] Gardener's Path -
https://gardenerspath.com/plants/landscape-trees/grow-eucalyptus/ - [3] NC State Extension Gardener -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/eucalyptus/ - [4] NC State Extension Gardener -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/eucalyptus-cinerea/
This note is part of Eucalyptus Guides.
More notes on making another plant live in Propagating Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors