Do you want to propagate a eucalyptus and are wondering which method is suitable? For most trees, propagation via cuttings is recommended. You can find out why this is different with eucalyptus and what alternative options are available to you on this page.
Are eucalyptus cuttings suitable for propagation?
Eucalyptus cuttings are rather unsuitable for propagation as the chances of success are very low. Instead, it is recommended to propagate eucalyptus by sowing by placing the seeds in seed pots with soil and placing them in a bright, warm place.
Cuttings rather unsuitable
Since the fast-growing eucalyptus has to be cut regularly, it seems to be a good idea to propagate its branches as cuttings. But even garden experts sometimes despair of multiplying it through cuttings. Although cuttings are often offered on the Internet, the chances of successful propagation are very low.
Propagate eucalypts better by sowing them
A better method is definitely propagation by seeds. You can also get these online, in the tree nursery or you can take the seeds from your own eucalyptus.
Procedure
- Stratify the seeds by storing them in the refrigerator for a week.
- Prepare growing pots with soil.
- To do this, mix potting soil (€6.00 at Amazon) with either perlite, coconut humus, Birms, peat or conventional sand.
- Place the seeds on the surface of the soil and press them only lightly into the soil (the eucalyptus is a light germinator).
- Place the nursery pots in a bright, warm place. Temperatures of 20-25°C are optimal.
- Water the substrate at certain intervals so that the soil does not dry out but does not become waterlogged.
- Wait three to five weeks for the eucalyptus to germinate.
- Once the shoots have reached a length of 10 cm, you can plant the eucalyptus in a pot or in the garden.
Advantages and disadvantages of raising your own
Advantages:
- Cost savings
- Proud of your own breeding
- Propagation via seeds is very likely to be successful
- Simple procedure
- Little material required
- Relatively short germination time
Disadvantages:
- Home-grown eucalypts do not bloom.
- A sunny location is definitely required.