Coolibah (Eucalyptus Coolabah) 150 Seeds
 
Bring a piece of the iconic, hardy landscapes to your property with these 150 Coolibah (Eucalyptus coolabah) seeds. Famous for their resilience, beautiful weeping foliage, and attractive mottled bark, Coolibahs are a quintessential part of many vast, sun-drenched plains. These seeds offer an excellent opportunity to grow a majestic, drought-tolerant tree that provides shade and a unique aesthetic.
 
Growing Instructions for Coolibah (Eucalyptus coolabah) from Seed
 
Coolibahs are robust trees, but getting them started from seed requires a few specific steps to ensure good germination and establishment. They are well-suited to warm to hot climates with periods of drought, but also tolerate seasonal flooding.
 
Seed Preparation
 
Eucalyptus seeds generally do not require any special pre-treatment like scarification or stratification, but ensuring good moisture absorption is key.
 
Sowing the Seeds
 
Timing: The best time to sow Coolibah seeds is during the warmer months, typically from late spring through summer, when temperatures are consistently warm.
Potting Mix: Use a well-draining seed-raising mix. A mix specifically designed for native plants or a blend of equal parts coarse sand and a good quality potting mix works well. Avoid mixes that are excessively rich or have high phosphorus levels.
Containers: Use seed trays or individual small pots (e.g., forestry tubes are ideal for their deep root run) with excellent drainage holes.
Sowing: Scatter the fine seeds thinly over the surface of the moistened potting mix. Do not bury them deeply; they need light for germination. You can lightly press them onto the surface or cover with a very, very thin layer of fine sand or vermiculite.
Watering: After sowing, mist the surface gently to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Keep the potting mix consistently moist but never waterlogged during the germination phase. Using a fine spray bottle helps prevent disturbing the seeds.
Warmth and Light: Place your containers in a warm, bright location. Optimal germination temperatures are typically between 20-30°C (68-86°F). Direct sunlight is beneficial once seedlings emerge.
 
Germination and Initial Growth
 
Germination Time: Germination can be variable, usually occurring within 2-6 weeks, but can sometimes take longer.
Thinning: If you have multiple seedlings in one pot, thin them out once they are a few centimeters tall to leave the strongest one or two. This prevents overcrowding and competition.
Watering Seedlings: Continue to keep the soil moist. As seedlings grow, gradually reduce watering frequency, allowing the top layer of soil to dry out slightly between waterings to encourage a strong root system.
Airflow: Good air circulation is important to prevent fungal issues.
 
Transplanting and Ongoing Care
 
Transplanting to Larger Pots: Once seedlings are about 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) tall and have developed a sturdy stem, carefully transplant them into larger pots or forestry tubes. Be very gentle with the root ball. Continue to grow them in these larger pots until they are robust enough to be planted in their final position.
Hardening Off: Before planting out into the garden, gradually acclimate your young trees to outdoor conditions over a week or two. This involves progressively increasing their exposure to sun, wind, and reduced watering.
Planting Out: Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Coolibahs are very adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil types, including heavy clays, and periods of inundation, typical of their natural habitat near watercourses. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Watering (Establishment): Water regularly and deeply for the first 1-2 years after planting to help the tree establish a strong root system.
Watering (Mature): Once established, Coolibah trees are incredibly drought-tolerant and require very little, if any, supplementary watering. They are well-adapted to the hot, dry periods typical of their native range.
Fertilizing: Coolibahs generally do not require fertilizing in good soil. If your soil is very poor, use a low-phosphorus native plant fertilizer, but only sparingly. Excessive phosphorus can be detrimental to Australian native plants.
Protection: Protect young trees from strong winds and grazing animals in their first few years.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is usually required, mainly to remove any dead or crossing branches.
 
By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow these magnificent Coolibah trees, providing shade and contributing to the natural beauty of your landscape.