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

In frost areas, start eucalyptus seeds indoors in spring, on the same schedule as tomatoes. Grow seedlings in sunny spot and transplant to beds or containers after the last frost as passed. If you live in a frost-free area save growing time by setting out a purchased plant in winter or spring. 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. In the wild, most species grow into large trees, but plants can be kept much smaller through pruning. Tender species can be started from seed in spring and grown as a warm-season annual. Plants in containers can be overwintered indoors where winters are brief and mild. In South Africa, the following are listed as invaders; Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River red Gum), E. cladocalyx (Sugar Gum), E. diversicolor (Karri), E. grandis (Saligna Gum), E. lehmannii (Spider Gum), and E. tereticornis (Forest red gum ). With the exception of the Spider gum, all are recognised as having commercial value (they provide timber, shade and wind protection, plus are a valuable source of nectar for bees) therefore they may be grown only in demarcated areas under controlled conditions. All these gums growing in riparian areas must be removed. (Refer to SANBI regulations for more information.) The following are not listed: Red flowering gum (Corymbia ficifolia); Grey ironbark (Eucalyptus paniculata); Yellow box (Eucalyptus melliodora); Black ironbark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon) and are preferable choices to grow.

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