Eucalyptus Ovata Seeds, Black Gum

Sowing Eucalyptus seeds can be a rewarding experience, but it requires a few specific steps to maximize your chances of success. Eucalyptus seeds are generally small and lightweight, requiring special care when sowing. Here's a step-by-step guide to successfully sowing Eucalyptus seeds:

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### **Materials required:**
- **Eucalyptus** seeds.
- Light, well-draining substrate (seedling compost or mixture of compost, perlite and sand).
- Pots or seed trays.
- Mini-greenhouse or plastic film (optional).
- Spray bottle or watering can with a fine nozzle.
- Warm water to soak the seeds (optional).
- Labels to mark seedlings (optional).

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### **Steps for sowing Eucalyptus seeds:**

#### 1. **Seed preparation:**
- Eucalyptus seeds are generally small and do not require special treatment such as scarification. However, to improve germination, you can soak them in warm water for 12 to 24 hours before sowing. This can help soften the shell and promote water absorption, but it is not a necessary step.

- If you have recently harvested seeds, make sure they are not too old, as **Eucalyptus** seeds lose their viability over time.

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#### 2. **Prepare the substrate:**
- The **seedling substrate** should be light, well-draining, and aerated. A good mix can be composed of **seedling compost**, **perlite**, and **sand**. This mixture will prevent seed rot while ensuring good germination.
- Fill **pots** or **seedling trays** with this substrate. Make sure it is well moistened but not soggy. Light moisture is sufficient.

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#### 3. **Sowing the seeds:**
- Because **Eucalyptus** seeds are small, it is recommended to **sow them on the surface** of the substrate, without covering them with soil. They need **light** to germinate, so do not bury them deeply.
- Sprinkle the seeds on the surface of the soil, then press lightly to ensure good contact with the substrate. Leave about **1 to 2 cm** of space between each seed if you are sowing several seeds in the same pot.

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#### 4. **Germination conditions:**
- **Temperature**: **Eucalyptus** seeds germinate best at temperatures between **20 and 25°C**. Therefore, it is best to sow the seeds indoors, in a warm place, or under a **mini-greenhouse** or **plastic film**.
- **Light**: Make sure the seeds are exposed to **good indirect light**. Avoid direct sunlight during the germination process, as this can dry out the substrate.
- **Humidity**: **Eucalyptus** seeds need **constant but moderate humidity**. Water gently with a **spray bottle** or a **fine-tipped watering can** to avoid moving the seeds.

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#### 5. **Germination time:**
- Eucalyptus seeds typically germinate between 7 and 21 days, although this can vary depending on temperature and humidity conditions. Be patient and maintain a stable, warm environment to promote germination.

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### **Seedling Care:**

#### 1. **After germination:**
- Once the seeds have germinated and the first leaves appear (often after about 2 to 3 weeks), remove the mini-greenhouse or plastic film. This will prevent excess humidity and promote good ventilation.
- Young **Eucalyptus** plants are sensitive to stress, so be careful not to move them too much or expose them to extreme conditions.

#### 2. **Watering:**
- Water **Eucalyptus** seedlings regularly, but be careful not to saturate the soil. Light watering with a **spray bottle** is best.
- The substrate should remain **moist** but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

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#### 3. **Transplanting the seedlings:**
- When the seedlings have developed several leaves and the roots begin to strengthen, you can transplant them into larger pots.
- The ideal time for transplanting is when the seedlings are about **5 to 10 cm** tall and have several well-developed leaves.

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### **Transplanting into open ground:**

#### 1. **When to transplant outdoors:**
- **Eucalyptus** trees prefer warm temperatures, so it is best to transplant them outdoors in **spring or summer**, when temperatures are well established and there is no longer any risk of frost.
- Ideally, they should be planted when the daytime temperature is between **20 and 25°C**.

#### 2. **Location:**
- Choose a **sunny** location for planting in the ground. **Eucalyptus** likes a lot of light and warmth.
- The soil must be **well-drained**. If your soil is heavy, you can add **sand** or **perlite** to improve drainage.

#### 3. **Spacing:**
- Young **Eucalyptus** trees can be spaced about **50 to 80 cm** apart initially, but mature trees will need more space to develop, as they can reach considerable heights.

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### **Maintenance after planting:**

1. **Watering:**
- Once established, **Eucalyptus** trees are relatively drought-resistant. However, during the growing phase, it is important to keep the soil slightly moist.

2. **Fertilization:**
- Eucalyptus plants are adapted to poor soils, so they don't require rich soil. However, you can fertilize them lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer.

3. **Size:**
- **Eucalyptus** trees generally do not require pruning, except to remove dead or diseased branches. If you want to control the size of the tree, you can perform formative pruning in early spring.

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### **Additional Tips:**

- **Avoid frost**: If you are growing **Eucalyptus** in a cold region, it is best to grow them in **pots** so you can bring them indoors during the winter.
- **Plants attractive to pollinators**: **Eucalyptus** trees often attract bees and other pollinators with their fragrant flowers and nectar.