Wonder Seeds Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Seeds
 
Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) - 200 Seeds: Grow Your Own "Wonder from Down Under"! 🇦🇺
 
Bring the incredible benefits of the Australian Tea Tree right into your own garden with these 200 high-quality Melaleuca alternifolia seeds. This resilient evergreen, a true "wonder from Down Under," is native to the northeast coastal region of New South Wales, Australia, and is renowned for the precious oil extracted from its leaves.
 
About the Melaleuca alternifolia Tree:
 
Growing up to 6.7 metres (22 feet) tall, the Tea Tree is a striking specimen with its distinctive, layered, papery bark. Its pointed leaves, when crushed, release a strong, invigorating aroma. Throughout the stems, dense clusters of delicate flowers emerge, ranging in colour from pristine white to soft pink, vibrant red, pale yellow, or even greenish hues.
 
Each flower features fine, small petals and a tight bundle of stamens, distinguishing it from its close relative, Callistemon. In their natural habitat, Tea Trees thrive in open forests, woodlands, or shrublands, often found along watercourses and the edges of swamps, showcasing their adaptability. While commonly known simply as "melaleuca," larger species are often called "paperbarks," and smaller varieties are affectionately known as "honey myrtles."
 
The Power of Tea Tree Oil:
 
The true magic of the Melaleuca alternifolia lies in the oil extracted from its leaves. This remarkable oil, containing close to 50 beneficial compounds, is treasured globally for its wide array of uses. From supporting the body in battling a countless array of topical maladies like fungal infections, insect bites and stings, acne, and infected lacerations, to providing relief for bruises, warts, burns, eczema, heat rashes, canker sores, yeast infections, staph infections, and even periodontal disease, tea tree oil has earned its reputation as a powerful natural remedy.
 
Growing Instructions for Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) in Australia:
 
Cultivating your own Tea Tree can be a rewarding experience, providing you with a beautiful plant and the potential for a homegrown source of this beneficial oil.
 
1. Seed Preparation (Optional Stratification):
While not always strictly necessary for Melaleuca alternifolia, a period of cold stratification can sometimes improve germination rates, especially for older seeds.
Method: Mix the seeds with a small amount of moist sand or peat moss. Place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag and refrigerate for 4-6 weeks.
2. Sowing the Seeds:
Timing: After stratification (if used), or without, sow in spring or early summer when temperatures are consistently warm.
Containers: Use seed trays or small pots filled with a well-draining seed-starting mix. A good mix would be one part coarse sand, one part perlite (or a similar aerating agent), and two parts peat moss or coir.
Sowing Depth: These seeds are tiny and require light to germinate. Sprinkle the seeds thinly on the surface of the soil. You can lightly press them into the soil to ensure good contact, but do not cover them deeply. A very fine layer (around 2mm) of washed river sand or vermiculite can be spread over the top to help retain moisture and prevent dislodging.
Watering: Water gently with a fine mist sprayer to avoid disturbing the seeds. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
Location: Place the trays in a warm location (ideally 18-25°C) with bright, indirect light. A mini-greenhouse or clear plastic cover can help maintain humidity.
3. Germination:
Germination typically occurs within 2-6 weeks, but it can be erratic, so patience is key.
Once seedlings emerge, ensure they receive good air circulation to prevent damping-off disease.
4. Transplanting:
When seedlings are large enough to handle (usually 5-10 cm tall) and have developed a few true leaves, carefully transplant them into individual pots.
Use a slightly larger pot (e.g., 10-15 cm) with a well-draining native potting mix.
5. Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Tea Trees thrive in full sun to partial shade. More sun generally leads to denser growth and better flowering.
Soil: They prefer well-draining soil, ideally sandy or loamy. They can tolerate a range of soil types, including slightly acidic to neutral. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much water. Their natural habitat often includes wet or swampy areas, so they appreciate consistent moisture but still need good drainage.
Watering: While young plants need consistent moisture, mature Tea Trees are relatively drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during dry periods, especially in the first summer. For established trees, ensure the top layer of soil dries out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing: Tea Trees are not heavy feeders. A light application of a slow-release native plant fertilizer in spring can be beneficial, but generally, they do not require much additional feeding. Avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers, as many Australian natives are sensitive to them.
Pruning: Prune to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth. This can be done after flowering. Regular light pruning can also help manage its size if growing in a container or smaller garden space.
Climate: Melaleuca alternifolia is native to subtropical coastal regions of NSW and QLD. It thrives in warm temperate to subtropical climates. While established plants can tolerate light frosts, prolonged heavy frosts should be avoided. If you're in a colder region of Australia, consider growing them in pots so they can be moved to a more protected spot during winter.
6. Pests and Diseases:
Tea Trees are generally quite resistant to most pests and diseases. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent fungal issues.
 
With patience and the right care, you can successfully grow your own Melaleuca alternifolia, a truly remarkable Australian native plant with a rich history and numerous benefits! 🌱
 
 
 Packet contains approx. 100 seeds.