Feeding Acacia seedlings?

[Drake]

So I have had the first two of the 50 Acacia Obtusifolia seeds Germinate. They Shot out of the dirt after 1 week and 2 days, this pretty good? Anyhow, it's been 2 days since they emerged from the dirt, so they are still very young to say the least.

Main reason for this topic was to ask if it would be ok to feed the new seedlings with nitrogen, and some native mix fertilizer. I am pretty sure the amounts that should be used would be pretty small. But how small? Would anyone know safe amounts to use, I don't want to kill them. Then again, perhaps it's best to wait for the seedlings to be 2-3 weeks old? But if I can get away with it, I would like to give them a little feed now to really boost them. I want to have them grown enough so I can leave them outside in the cold, I feel this will help make them stronger in the end. I am keeping them inside at night, in the sun through the day. Or maybe keep going with the plan? Have them grow in a pot, and bring them inside at night. I guess I will run separate reports when enough seedlings have sprouted, much like I did to germinate the seeds. I need enough to germ before I can run the next lot of tests.

I was also thinking the fertilizer, it is labeled for natives. Maybe its already got the nitrogen mix in? Suppose it might say on the back of the bag.

Thanks for the advice. Thought I would ask before I head out and buy the food. I also did a check for this type of question, the search is not very reliable.

Also, on an unrelated note. I have logged the progress of my Acacia.O and will continue to do so for a number of weeks. Or until enough seedlings have germ. Will be sure to make a topic for the report when I feel it's ready. I am sure many people who are looking to grow Acacia obtusifolia for the 1st time will like the information.

[Chiral]

Depending on the soil they are in, there should be enough nutrients in it to last them till they much older, 3 months say...then transplant them in the ground or in some native soil mix prepared specially for acacia. fertilizing them now is a very bad idea for many reasons...they don't need it yet, it's winter and they are no where near old enough. I have germinated many acacia via seed and have never ever fed them anything...they germinate and then go straight into the ground or into larger pots with rich garden soil...I actually have no intentions of feeding them, as they are growing in local Australian soil they should be happy as just as they are. If you are going to fertilize them anyways I would strongly recommend an Australian native fertilizer at quarter strength only.

Others with more long term acacia growing experience may chime in with other info, I basically spent some time with a native specialist who runs a native nursery close by to me, and have received all my tips from him...I must remember to go see him again soon and get his advice on taking cuttings.

H.