Close up of plant with slightly hairy, dark red bud and stem with bright green leaves

How To Grow Eucalyptus Seeds

Updated on Dec 29, 2021
By Shannon McCabe

Latin name Corymbia citriodora is an a tall tree in the Myrtle family and is often grown as an annual. The lemon-scented gum and other eucalyptus are frost tender and grown as annual foliage plants in the north. They are excellent for floral arranging or planting as a heavily lemon-scented small shrub.

HISTORY

Native to tropical and temperate regions of northern Australia, the eucalyptus is a heavenly scented plant. The fragrance and bug repellent industries have long used the essential oil of this plant.

USES

  • Ornamental
  • Essential oil used for repelling bugs
  • Floral arrangements
  • Foliage plant

Close up of slightly hairy, dark red stem and bud among green leaves.Close up of slightly hairy, dark red stem and bud among green leaves.

  • Seeds germinate in 14-28 days.
  • Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost date, transplant out after frost has passed.
  • Surface sow and lightly press into soil, covering lightly with soil.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 65 -75 F.
close up of slightly hairy dark red stem and bud with green leaves with a greenhouse wall behind itclose up of slightly hairy dark red stem and bud with green leaves with a greenhouse wall behind it

  • Plants prefer full sun.
  • Provide well-drained soil.
  • Space plants 10- 12 inches apart.
  • A drought-tolerant plant.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • This plant has no serious disease or insect issues.
Very close image of dark red bud and leaves covered in tiny white hairs, with dark green leaves in backgroundVery close image of dark red bud and leaves covered in tiny white hairs, with dark green leaves in background

  • Will produce small white flowers and seed capsules.
  • To save seeds, simply pluck the dried capsules and store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
Person in a white checked shirt holds a spray of bright green and red-trimmed eucalyptus leaves with a small bud or blossom at center.Person in a white checked shirt holds a spray of bright green and red-trimmed eucalyptus leaves with a small bud or blossom at center.