Eucalyptus Growing Guide

Many Eucalyptus species, Eucalyptus cinerea

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Varies with species. Some are frost tender but others are very hardy.

Feeding

None generally needed when eucalyptus plants are grown in the ground. Feed container-grown plants monthly with a balanced liquid plant food.

Spacing

Single Plants: 3.00m (9' 10") each way (minimum)
Rows: 3.00m (9' 10") with 3.00m (9' 10") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Start eucalyptus seeds indoors in spring, on the same schedule as tomatoes. Grow seedlings under bright light, and transplant to beds or containers after the last frost as passed. If you wish to save time purchase and set out a purchased plant instead. Container-grown plants can be transplanted until early summer but may shed some leaves if set out under stressful conditions. Water young plants during droughts in their first season after planting. Once established, eucalyptus requires little supplemental water. In home landscapes, eucalyptus is typically grown as a specimen tree that is kept pruned to less than 6 m (20 feet) tall and wide. In containers, use one plant per 35 cm (14-inch) pot. Eucalyptus grows so quickly from seed that plants can be grown as warm-season annuals.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Native to Australia, eucalyptus is grown primarily for its distinctively fragrant blue-gray foliage with some species grown for their attractive flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow and white. In the wild, most species grow into large trees, but plants can be kept much smaller through pruning. Eucalyptus make excellent bonsai specimens.

Harvesting

Gather stems or individual leaves for cut arrangements or for drying in late summer, after they have been exposed to plenty of hot sun.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Eucalyptus

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail