64 - Eucalyptus
Life cycle
Planting details
There are varieties of cold hardy Eucalyptus
https://www.wilsonbrosgardens.com/most-cold-hardy-eucalyptus-trees.html
Eucalyptus nicholii “Angus”, Eucalyptus neglecta ‘Big O’, Bluey, Eucalyptus rubida ‘Cab Sav’
| 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 |
6″ if grown for one season, 12-18″ in frost free environments. |
| 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. |
Culture and fertilization requirements
It is critical to prune the species when growing for foliage purposes for the following reason: Eucalyptus foliage form changes from ‘juvenile’ in the young seedlings where the leaves are often rounded to ‘adult’ where the leaves are often willow like. Plants kept juvenile usually have more attractive leaf shapes and colors. It is the juvenile foliage which is demanded by the trade and for this reason plants have to be pruned annually. Plantations grown for foliage are managed as a pollarded or coppiced crop. Such pruning is undertaken at the end of a harvest season, usually late February or March and certainly no later than mid April before the onset of significant new growth.
Harvesting details
Young growth can be prone to wilting. Allow growth to “harden” on the plant before cutting. Generally, harvest in late summer.
Current Seed Start & Transplant Dates
Note: Seed starting and transplant dates do not always correlate one to one with dates shown below. Note correct start and expected transplant dates on the tag of the tray for seed germination. Adjust dates with plant tags on a yearly basis if necessary. 8 ounces of fertilizer is about 1 cup. Consider Sustane various NPK and Alfalfa Meal or Blood Meal for nitrogen.