Lemon Bush, Eucalyptus Seeds

Lemon Bush Eucalyptus Seed

Lemon-scented foliage releases refreshing fragrance when brushed
Fast-growing Australian evergreen responds well to pruning
Drought-tolerant plants prefer warmth and strong light
Harvest aromatic leaves for decorative floral work

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Eucalyptus citriodora

Days to maturity

135 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

25 Seeds

Zones 8–11 Check your growing zone

About Lemon Bush, Eucalyptus Seed, Eucalyptus Seed

Lemon Bush Eucalyptus is a fragrant evergreen tree renowned for its refreshing lemon-scented leaves. Native to Australia, this tree typically grows between 30 to 50 feet tall, although it can be maintained as a smaller shrub through pruning. The leaves are long and narrow, with a bright green color, and they release a strong citrus aroma, especially when crushed, which has made it popular for its essential oil.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/16"

Days to Germination

7–21 days

Germination Type

P - Sow Under Cover

In-row plant spacing

3-6'

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Tender Perennial

Hardiness Zone

Zones 8-11

Plant Height

36 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

6,075

Color

Green

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Eucalyptus grows best in a full-sun site with well-drained soil and good air circulation. Remove perennial weeds, loosen compacted ground, and incorporate modest compost without making the bed overly rich. Prepare a fine, firm seedbed. Plan to sow under protected indoor or greenhouse conditions.

Planting

Start eucalyptus indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost, surface-sowing or barely covering the seed as directed for the species. Maintain warmth, bright light, and airflow, then harden seedlings gradually. For annual foliage production, space eucalyptus 12–24 inches apart; trees intended for the landscape require spacing based on their mature size.

Watering

Water eucalyptus regularly until established, then irrigate deeply only when the soil becomes dry. Avoid frequent shallow watering and saturated conditions, which encourage weak growth or root disease.

Fertilizer

Apply fertilizer to eucalyptus only as needed, choosing a light balanced or bloom product once plants are rooted. Repeated feeding is unnecessary in fertile soil and may reduce flower production.

Harvesting

Cut eucalyptus flowers when blooms are well colored and at the opening stage best suited to display. Harvest during the cool morning with clean shears, leaving healthy foliage for continued flowering.

Tips

Stake tall eucalyptus plants before stems lean, using loose ties that allow growth. Pinch branching types when young, deadhead regularly, and leave selected seed heads for wildlife if desired.

Pests & Diseases

Seedlings face damping-off; older eucalyptus may develop anthracnose, Botryosphaeria dieback, cankers, crown gall, or Phytophthora root rot. Prune dieback back to sound tissue in dry weather and disinfect tools. Avoid root injury and saturated containers, and never propagate from branches showing cankers or galls.

The main pests to watch on eucalyptus are aphids, thrips, spider mites, Japanese beetles, slugs, and caterpillars. Focus scouting on fresh growth and flower buds, removing pests manually whenever practical.