Someone told me Australian natives are hard to grow from seed, is this true?
No, Australian natives are not hard to grow from seed.
Just like growing any plant from seed some are easier than others, there are a few trick’s to some species such as Acacia, by soaking the seed in very hot water, this breaks the dormancy of the seed by fracturing the hard coating and lets the seed germinate. Others respond to of pre treatment of smoke, this can be done with “smoke paper” or smoke impregnated vermiculite. Neither of these is difficult. We always tell you in the item description if this is need.
Australia is a hot country, I live in a cold climate, will my plants die in winter?
Australia has many different climates from snow in winter to tropical monsoons in summer; it really depends on where you plants come from. Australia has a large range of plants so there is a plant for every climate. You only have to ask us and we will advise you on what is best for your climate.
Do Australian seeds need a bush fire before they will grow?
No, some plants hold their seeds in capsules until a fire has passed, the heat of the fire open’s the capsules and releases the seed.
The plants that do need smoke to germinate are few, although some research has shown that you may get better germination rates with some plants, this research is currently ongoing, this research is still in the early years and there is a lot we do not know.
How long will my seed take to germinate?
That depends on what seed you have, the time of year and attention you give them in, some Eucalyptus will germinate within a few days others may take 2-3 weeks. Some plants are slow to germinate and may even take 6 weeks or more.
We are always willing to give you advise on the seed you looking at.
