How to Start Eucalyptus

Seeds

• 1

  Harden the seed using stratification, which is a process of cooling the seed for a specific duration then warming it again. Stratification simulates both winter then spring conditions, breaking the eucalyptus seed's inherent dormancy phase and stimulating germination. Some eucalyptus seeds will not germinate without stratification while others will germinate better after having been in the cold. Place the seeds inside a moist paper towel sealed inside a large plastic bag then put everything in a refrigerator for a minimum of three weeks. Some eucalyptus seeds require a minimum of six weeks, however, so check the packet your seeds came in for the specific duration. Keep the seeds moist. Remove the seeds after the specified time has passed and place them in a warm location.

• 2

  Fill a pot with potting soil. A biodegradable pot that you can transplant directly into the ground, such as a peat moss pot, is ideal. Sprinkle several seeds into the soil and cover them with a small amount of dirt. Water them liberally then set them in a warm area to germinate. Once several seedlings have emerged, thin out the plants so that only the strongest-looking one remains.

• 3

  Dig a hole in your garden 2 inches deeper than the pot's height. Insert the peat pot then fill the hole with soil so that the ground is once again level. Add water.

Seedling

• 4

  Remove the eucalyptus plant from the pot it was in when you purchased it. Be very careful not to damage the roots, which may have grown through the pot's drainage holes.

• 5

  Dig a hole in your garden 2 inches deeper than the height of the soil and roots.

• 6

  Place the eucalyptus plant into the hole with its roots spread outward away from the plant. Fill the hole with soil so that the ground is once again level. Add water.