Eucalyptus

Q. We are in a drought [2002] and I have an eucalyptus tree in my garden and I am loving how green that tree is staying and growing. I told my husband now that is what we need more of because it seems to do well in the dry weather. I wanted to know if I can cut back that tree and start the cuttings in the ground to make more trees? Or should I just get the seed from somewhere and start them that way.

A. I am inundated with questions about this nasty drought which seems to get worse every day while Europe and China are experiencing horrid fatal floods. Eucalyptus was brought over from Australia which has the same climate of much of Northern California b ut it was for lumber usage. It turns out that the wrong one came over here and the one has spread throughout the state by seed. It loves the climate as it is very drought resistant and here we receive on rainfall until October so soil gets really dry!

Propagation of Eucalyptus is generally from seed which is shaken from the ripe fruit pods. The seed is quite small and fine. Germination can be achieved as is but stratification for a period is preferable. This involves soaking the seeds overnight placing them between folds of moist absorbent paper and sealing in a plastic bag in a refrigerator for about 14 days ensuring that the seeds are kept moist. The seeds can be sown in a sandy seed raising mix lightly covered and kept moist with a mist spray every day.

The ideal time for sowing is spring when frost danger has passed. When the seedlings appear they are allowed to grow to no more than 4 leaves when they must be transplanted into the final seedling raising medium where they will remain until final planting outside. Use a fibrous potting mix of 30% each of sharp sand fine bark nuggets and rotted untreated sawdust. A small amount of slow release fertilizer can be included in the mix. The seedlings are grown sheltered from winds and protected from strong sun light. In 6 months they should be ready for planting in your chosen position. Under no circumstances should the seedlings be allowed to dry out at any time.

Dig the hole which should be about 6-8" and at least loosened to a depth of about 20-24". Thoroughly water by flooding the hole and allowing the water to soak away. Fill the hole until the seedling sits with the root collar level with the soil. Carefully replace the soil around the seedling roots gently firming it into place. Fertilize weakly every month for the first 3 months then raise to full strength.