Eucalyptus Gunni

I bought some 30 seeds from ebay. Sowed them in my heated propagator and placed them under my light bench (see signature for setup) and i am having no success.

I've tried moving them to various other locations around the house and greenhouse but the seeds are not sprouting.

Does this sound like I've got a dodgy batch of seeds, or am I doing something wrong?

gin

 

I grew them years ago from seed Gingeritis and they germinated no problem.
I believe the usual advice is if they don't germinate put them in the fridge for 4 weeks then take them out into the heat. Good luck.

 

Being from Australia eucalyptus doesn't need the cold treatment - it germinates quite readily at 60C.
The seed is really tiny so could suffer with drying out, particularly with grow lights. Alternately with overwatering the seed could get washed away!

It's worth trying again, even this late if seedlings are grown on in a polytunnel you could get 1m this year

 

I tend to go along with Alice on this, Gunni is one of the hardiest gums and a little stratification cant hurt, failing that just normal temperatures at this time of the year.

60C sounds a little excessive Lovage, or is that a 60 degree soak before sowing?

You could possibly have some duff seed gingeritus, who knows.

You have a good looking set up there, but it might be a bit over the top for what is basically a hardy tree.
You dont say how long ago you sowed them, do you?

 

60C sounds a little excessive Lovage, or is that a 60 degree soak before sowing?

You're right there - should be 20C!!!!

I've grown loads without stratification, usually germinates quite easily. Must be duff seed or drying out

 

ok thanks.

I might try again, but this time I may cover the seeds with a little sand to prevent them from drying out too readily.

 

There should not be any problem with E Gunnii germination, 21c being an ideal temperature, they are best sown in individual cells as they dislike root disturbance. Old seed may be irratic but usually at least some should germinate. Fine Vermiculite makes a good covering.