Southern Mahogany Eucalyptus botryoides - 200 Fresh Seeds Aussie Native Plant
 
Cultivate a handsome and robust evergreen tree with these fresh seeds of Southern Mahogany.
 
This majestic gum is a superb choice for a shade tree, windbreak, or as a striking feature in larger gardens and parklands. It's admired for its rough, fibrous bark on the trunk and larger branches, smooth upper branches, and dense canopy of glossy green leaves. Its resilience and attractive form make it a valuable addition to many landscapes, providing beauty and shelter.
 
 
Growing Instructions:
Timing: For best results, sow seeds in late winter to early spring (August-October in the Southern Hemisphere), or in autumn (March-May), when temperatures are mild. This allows seedlings to establish before extreme heat or cold.
Preparation:
Seed Raising Mix: Use a well-draining, sandy seed-raising mix. A mix specifically designed for native plants is ideal.
Containers: Use seed trays, forestry tubes, or small pots with good drainage holes.
Sowing:
Lightly firm the surface of your seed-raising mix.
Sprinkle the fine seeds evenly over the surface of the mix. Do not bury them deeply.
Lightly cover the seeds with a very thin layer (1-2mm) of propagating sand or fine sieved soil.
Watering:
Gently water the trays immediately after sowing using a fine mist spray to avoid displacing the tiny seeds.
Keep the substrate consistently moist but never waterlogged. Good drainage is crucial to prevent damping off.
Environment:
Light: Place the trays in a warm, bright location. Full sun is generally preferred for good germination, but protect from scorching midday sun if temperatures are very high.
Temperature: Ideal germination temperatures range from 18∘C to 25∘C (64∘F to 77F).
Germination: Germination can be variable but usually occurs within 2-6 weeks.
Care of Seedlings:
Once seedlings emerge, ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
When seedlings are large enough to handle (typically 5-10 cm tall with a few sets of true leaves), carefully transplant them into individual larger pots or forestry tubes. Handle by the leaves to avoid damaging the delicate stems.
Hardening Off: Before planting out into the garden, gradually acclimate the young plants to outdoor conditions over a week or two.
Planting Out: Choose a sunny, well-drained position. Southern Mahogany prefers fertile, well-drained loams and is often found in coastal or near-coastal environments, indicating some tolerance to salt spray. It is adaptable to a range of soils but avoids waterlogged conditions.
Watering Established Plants: Water regularly during their first dry season to help establish a strong root system. Once established (after 1-2 years), they are quite drought-tolerant but will benefit from supplementary watering during prolonged dry periods.
Mature Size: This species typically grows to 20-30 meters tall, forming a substantial and beautiful tree. Ensure you have ample space for its mature size.