Cider Gum (Eucalyptus gunnii) seeds
- Contents: Approx. 10 seeds
- Open-pollinated variety, seed tested regularly
Regular price:
€3.39
Product number: EUC01 GTIN: 4251420518262
Description
This evergreen Eucalyptus variety from Tasmania is partly winter-hardy, making it suitable for the Central European climate. And this exotic tree is currently very much on-trend: its exquisite young branches with their round, fragrant, silver-green leaves are a favourite for floral bouquets, arrangements and wreaths.
Cider Gum, like all Eucalyptus varieties, is very fast-growing, adding 50 cm of growth per year. In a sheltered position in a garden it can grow into a tree up to 5 m high. But if it’s cut back regularly Cider Gum can also be grown as a container plant – in which case it can also be overwintered in a frost-free location. Outdoors it can survive temperatures down to -10°C. If a more severe frost is anticipated it should be given extra protection. The trunk in particular is susceptible to frost cracks.
One notable feature is the leaves’ intense fragrance – the familiar smell of cough medications, as this is one of the applications for which Eucalyptus essential oil is used. It is said to have antibacterial and expectorant effects – but don’t try using the Eucalyptus leaves for internal applications as they can be poisonous. However, you can certainly throw a handful in your bathwater for a warm, soothing bath if you have a cold.
Cider Gum, like all Eucalyptus varieties, is very fast-growing, adding 50 cm of growth per year. In a sheltered position in a garden it can grow into a tree up to 5 m high. But if it’s cut back regularly Cider Gum can also be grown as a container plant – in which case it can also be overwintered in a frost-free location. Outdoors it can survive temperatures down to -10°C. If a more severe frost is anticipated it should be given extra protection. The trunk in particular is susceptible to frost cracks.
One notable feature is the leaves’ intense fragrance – the familiar smell of cough medications, as this is one of the applications for which Eucalyptus essential oil is used. It is said to have antibacterial and expectorant effects – but don’t try using the Eucalyptus leaves for internal applications as they can be poisonous. However, you can certainly throw a handful in your bathwater for a warm, soothing bath if you have a cold.
Plant profile
| Plant type | Container plant, Shrub, Tree |
|---|---|
| Use | Container plant, Cut flower, Dried flower, Medicinal plant, Ornamental plant, Scented plant |
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
| Species | Myrtaceae |
| Seed propagation | Conventional production |
| Region of origin | Australia |
| Characteristics | Needs cold to germinate |
| Eventual height | 2-10 m |
| Flower colour | White |
| Flowering months | December, February, January |
| Root system | Deep roots, Taproot |
| Winter hardiness zones | 7 (-18 bis -12 °C) |
Growing instructions
| When to sow outdoors | December, January, November, October |
|---|---|
| Sowing depth | 0.5 cm |
| Germination temperature | 15-20°C |
| Germination time | 2-6 weeks |
| Climate | Temperate |
| Soil type | Acid, Free-draining, Fresh, Humus-rich, Low in chalk, Low nutrient levels, Sandy |
| Sunlight | Full sun, Shade |
| Water requirement | High |
| Planting distance | 2 m |
| Row spacing | 2 m |
Sowing and care
Perennial – exotic small tree, winter hardy to temperatures of around -10°C. Needs a period of cold temperature to germinate. Sow outdoors in early spring or autumn. Or you can artificially cold stratify the seeds. Mix them with moist sand in a plastic bag. For the first 2-4 weeks keep the bag warm and moist (around +20°C), then keep it in the fridge at a temperature of +5°C for 5-6 weeks. After this take the plastic bag out and keep it at room temperature, checking regularly to see if the seeds are germinating. Prick out seedlings into pots and plant out after the last frosts in mid-May. Young plants will do very well as container plants for the first few years. In the garden they need a sheltered location in full sun or semi-shade.
Cider Gum will not tolerate waterlogged conditions but also doesn’t like to dry out entirely, so in hot summers it should be watered morning and evening. The plant responds instantly to drought conditions by shedding its leaves.
Cider Gum will not tolerate waterlogged conditions but also doesn’t like to dry out entirely, so in hot summers it should be watered morning and evening. The plant responds instantly to drought conditions by shedding its leaves.
Other names
Botanical name: Eucalyptus gunnii
German: Mostgummi-Eukalyptus, Tasmanien-Eukalyptus, Mostgummibaum
English: Cider Gum
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