Eucalyptus Growing Guide

 

 

Common Name Eucalyptus
Genus 

Eucalyptus
Species various
Family

Myrtaceae
Life Cycle 

Long lived tree or shrub in frost free areas. Treated as annual or tender woody perennial.
Tray Size  125
Plug Care

Transplant within 2 weeks of arrival, or bump up into a larger cell until you can transplant. Keep warm.
Netting / Staking No netting or staking necessary
Temperature Range

Should be kept above 55F in the seedling stage. Treat as you would tender annuals.
Spacing
12-18" if grown as an annual. 
2-3' if growing in frost-free environments. Plan to coppice or pollard your trees each season. 
Soil Preference

Well-drained soil of medium fertility.
Day Length Not Applicable
Pinching Pinch plants when they are 3-4" tall if they are not naturally branching.
When to Plant


Spring or early summer, once soil is above 55F.
Harvesting

Young growth can be prone to wilting. Allow growth to "harden" on the plant before cutting. Generally, harvest in late summer.
Post Harvest Care

A hydrator and conditioning in the cooler may help if you are having trouble with wilting. Store in plain water, or in a holding solution.
Diseases / Insects

Mildew and botrytis can be problems in wet/damp conditions. Increase airflow.
Bailey's Notes

Most Eucalyptus seed is harvested in its native Australia. Due to the increase in frequency and severity of Australian bush fires in recent years, the seed supply is dwindling worldwide. We secure as much seed as we can, but expect limited availability indefinitely. 


Consider growing in a high tunnel if you can keep it frost-free. Eucalyptus is slow to establish in its first year, but if you can keep it alive it will grow very rapidly in its second and third years, providing taller and more abundant cutting material. Cut back hard in the fall. Keep on the dry side during winter.
 Resources  Eucalyptus for Cut Foliage Fact Sheet (downloads as .pdf)

 *In-depth Growing Guide coming soon*