AusBonsai

My thread for the Sydney Red Gum ...

- Seeds sourced from "The Seed Vine"
- Soaking overnight
- Will plant tomorrow into trays

Love the early entries! I’ll be watching this one with particular interest - great bark when mature. Great choice.

Great idea in sharing the germination instructions for each of your entries.

Seeds in soil!

We have lift off! Five is alive!!!

What mix have you got them in? I bought a large bag of commercial seed raising mix which I'm not happy with, looking for something better.

I use the secret magical recipe of Ray Nesci's soil ... use it for all bonsai and plant experiments.

Looks like we're in full swing now ... go "Sydney Red Gums"!!! Was worried winter was the wrong time to plant the seeds ... guess not.
Reading over the germination notes ...

Needs warm medium, so if it's winter, keep indoors in a mini greenhouse. Ideal germination temperature is 18-25°C/66-80°F, if your temperatures are much cooler than this; you may need a heat mat to achieve germination.

Think we've had temps more like 8-20°C ... and they've done well in this seed box.

Step 3 says, "Once sprouted, move tray/pot to sunny position. Transplant seedlings once necessary, not before they have at least two true leaves.
As it is fast growing, a support is recommended. Use a bamboo or wooden stake."

Will move to Sunnier location and wait for 2 true leaves each, before transplanting.

legoman_iac wrote: ↑June 25th, 2024, 9:40 am Was worried winter was the wrong time to plant the seeds ... guess not.

Yeah I've been hesitant to plant anything just yet, I've got the seeds so maybe on the back of your success, I might throw a few in some seed raising mix and see what happens.

Mmm, one thing I've not thought to ask anyone ... do you keep the seedlings in the seed box when moving into the Sun? Or remove the lid?

I wouldn't keep them in sun with the lid on, maybe just use it at night. Read into 'vapour pressure' for an explanation of humidity in relation to transpiration. For a more complete understading look at convection.

I agree - I would leave the hood off during the day. I’ve lost more seedlings to fungal infections than drying out.

Quick update: started getting actual leaves, and had some free time on the weekend (ahead of the main/busy repot season) so moved some of these seedlings into pots. Thought it might be too early, though some good sized roots which were started to get squished, so hopefully perfect timing. Time will tell?!

I hope you have a big pot ready in time. Their leaves are big!

Might even throw some in the ground, in a grow bag, to let it rip!