Most people don't believe that I grow eucalyptus in my garden, but I do! It's one of my favourite plants to grow and I'm excited to share my information with you. Typically associated with warmer climates, eucalyptus can be successfully grown on the prairies with just a few essential tips and considerations. Eucalyptus is a favourite of mine for its unique look and amazing scent.  I love getting creative and using it in our products, like our eucalyptus body butters this year. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of eucalyptus and provide you with all the information you need to successfully grow this stunning plant in your garden.

We recommend getting your seeds from West Coast Seeds as we have used their Eucalyptus cinerea, Silver Dollar seeds for three years now with great germination and success in our zone 3 garden. They recommend starting this species 10-12 weeks before the last frost date- putting me at early-mid February. Time to get those seeds now! Order from our link here.

Starting the seeds indoors:

West Coast Seeds recommends “Lightly cover the seeds and keep moist and warm until germination. Once the seeds sprout, remove from bottom heat and remove any humidity dome. It seems that Eucalyptus seedlings are prone to damping off, so provide bright light and air circulation around the plants. At 10-13cm (4-5″), transplant on to a container if keeping indoors. Or transplant outdoors once night time temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).”  I have kept my eucalyptus indoors until temperatures have warmed outside and I move them to my small greenhouse in late April.  My eucalyptus plants are the last thing I plant in my garden- usually early June. I have found the eucalyptus plants really don’t like any cold and thrive when in really warm and sunny conditions. 

Proper Planting and Soil Conditions:

Eucalyptus plants thrive in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH between 6.0 and 7.0). Before planting, ensure the soil is rich in organic matter by amending it with compost. Select a planting location that receives full sun exposure to encourage healthy growth. It's important to note that young eucalyptus plants may need some protection from harsh winds during their initial growth stages.

Mulching and Watering:

Mulching plays a crucial role in protecting eucalyptus plants from extreme cold temperatures. Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant, leaving a small gap around the trunk to prevent rotting. This will insulate the roots and preserve moisture in the soil. Regular watering is essential during the plant's initial establishment period, but once established, eucalyptus plants are relatively drought-tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.

Harvesting:

Make sure you harvest your eucalyptus before any frost, or use a frost blanket to protect it. I snipped the base of all my eucalyptus in early September last year before any nightly lows threatened to dip down. Oh the aroma of the leaves when crushed! I don’t know how many deep inhales I took of my bunches 🙂

I recommend you hang small fresh bunches in your shower, or sauna! Add to your flower vases, decorate around your home or dry for fun creations in winter. I hang my eucalyptus upside down to dry for my product infusion uses but the options are endless and up to your creativity!

Growing eucalyptus in my zone 3 prairie garden may require a little extra effort, but the reward of seeing those beautiful, aromatic leaves swaying in the breeze makes it all worth it. So, get your gardening tools ready and start those seeds!  Let’s embark on this exciting journey together of growing eucalyptus in your garden!