Leptospermum lanigerum seeds

Sowing **Leptospermum lanigerum**, or woolly tea, is an interesting way to grow this ornamental shrub, appreciated for its downy foliage and small white flowers. Here is a detailed guide to successfully sowing **Leptospermum lanigerum**:

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### **Steps for sowing Leptospermum lanigerum**

#### **1. Sowing period:**
- **Spring**: From March to May, when temperatures begin to warm up.
- **Autumn**: Possible in regions with mild winters, with germination the following spring.

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#### **2. Harvesting seeds:**
- The seeds are found in woody capsules that ripen after flowering. Harvest them when the capsules are completely dry.

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#### **3. Seed preparation:**
**Leptospermum lanigerum** seeds generally do not require any special pretreatment to germinate.

##### **Pretreatment (optional to speed up germination)**:
1. **Soaking**:
- Soak the seeds in warm water for **12 hours** to hydrate them.

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#### **4. Preparation of the substrate or soil:**
- **Substrate type**:
- Light, well-drained mix of seed compost, sand and perlite (2:1:1).
- **Preparation in open ground**:
- Prepare well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil, and add sand if the soil is heavy.
- **pH**:
- Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7).

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#### **5. Sowing the seeds:**

##### **In pots or boxes (recommended method)**:
1. **Filling**:
- Fill the pots or boxes with the prepared substrate.
2. **Seed Arrangement**:
- Sow the seeds on the surface without covering them or with a very thin layer of sand (they need light to germinate).
3. **Watering**:
- Lightly moisten with a spray bottle.
4. **Placement**:
- Place the pots in a bright place but away from direct sunlight, with a constant temperature of **18°C to 22°C**.

##### **In the ground:**
1. **Soil preparation**:
- Loosen the soil and clean the area.
2. **Seed Arrangement**:
- Sow the seeds directly on the surface and press down lightly to ensure good contact with the soil.
3. **Watering**:
- Water gently to moisten the soil.

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#### **6. Germination conditions:**
- **Ideal temperature**:
- Between **18°C and 22°C**.
- **Humidity** :
- Keep the substrate or soil slightly moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent rot.
- **Germination time**:
- Seeds usually germinate in **2 to 4 weeks**, but it can sometimes take up to **6 weeks**.

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#### **7. Care after germination:**
1. **Thinning**:
- When the seedlings reach about **5 cm**, thin them out to leave **10 to 15 cm** between each plant.
2. **Watering**:
- Water lightly and regularly to maintain constant humidity.
3. **Light**:
- Provide bright, direct light to encourage healthy growth.

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#### **8. Transplanting (for potted seedlings)**:
- **When to transplant**:
- When the young plants measure approximately **10 cm** and have several well-developed leaves.
- **Method** :
- Transplant into individual pots or directly into the ground, spacing **30 to 50 cm**.

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#### **9. Final planting:**
1. **Location**:
- Choose a location in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil.
2. **Spacing**:
- Leave **1 to 2 meters** between plants to allow them to develop fully.

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#### **10. Long-term maintenance:**
1. **Watering**:
- Water moderately, especially during dry periods. **Leptospermum lanigerum** tolerates drought well once established.
2. **Size**:
- Prune lightly after flowering to encourage dense, balanced growth.
3. **Fertilization**:
- Add a balanced or organic fertilizer in spring to stimulate growth.
4. **Winter protection**:
- In frost-prone areas, apply mulch around the base to protect the roots.

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### **Additional Tips:**
1. **Ornamental use**:
- **Leptospermum lanigerum** is ideal for hedges, borders, or as an isolated shrub.
2. **Tolerance**:
- This plant is resistant to drought and poor soils, making it an excellent choice for dry or Mediterranean gardens.
3. **Ecological appeal**:
- Attracts bees and other pollinators with its delicate flowers.

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### **Conclusion :**
Sowing **Leptospermum lanigerum** is a rewarding way to introduce this ornamental shrub into your garden. With minimal maintenance and proper care, it will offer unique foliage and delicate blooms, while promoting biodiversity. 🌱🌸