Stubborn\ Acacias

[TheMooseZeus]

Hey, this is my first post so please excuse me if its a mess

I planted acacia seeds about a month ago, 8 obtusifolia and 4 floribunda, 2 of each of these popped up in days, not problem.

Since then in the last 3 weeks i have planted an additional 15 or so floribunda.

So far I've only had 2 obtusifolia germinate and are doing great.

And 2 floribunda which also popped up fast after planting.

The remainder seem to be laying dormant. Is it common to have this much gap between germinating acacias?

Could it be the difference between planting at the beginning of summer and towards the end?

 

 

[Strontium Dawg]

Did you scarify and /or soak the seeds beforehand? This will help your germination rate. Also try smoke treatment, this can assist too.

[TheMooseZeus]

8 minutes ago, Glaukus said:

Did you scarify and /or soak the seeds beforehand? This will help your germination rate. Also try smoke treatment, this can assist too.

I've used a mixture of all sorts of scarification/ soaking, never smoke treatment though. I have found success in all methods. Prior to purchasing seeds i practiced different ways of scarification on acacia seeds from local trees and they grew like crazy. I ended up planting them in the bush   

[waterboy 2.0]

The seed source may be old?

(would have to be Very old though)

 

I've had no issues with those using only hot water and spring/autumn planting. I avoid summer plantings for my location with acacias , I'm certainly at peak summer now.

 

I get less acacia germination in summers peak, seed is a living entity it's "aware" of its environment it wants to survive. If it's hot, generally it's drier and that's tougher on seedlings in "the wild".

 

There's an optimum range of Temps for a given seed, can germinate outside of it.... But stronger within it.

 

Try putting the pots in the shade, if they've been out in the sun, or wait for some cooler weather for further sowing.

 

Edit - when I've previously done summer plantings, I've had germination through into the cooling season.

 

Acacias are generally long lived in soil seed store in the "wild" and germinate when it's going to provide the best chance of survival.

Edited February 11, 2018 by waterboy 2.0

[TheMooseZeus]

Cheers Waterboy 2.0! Ill keep waiting into the cooler seasons, we'll see what happens  

I'm pretty keen for planting a mini forest in my area

Edited February 11, 2018 by TheMooseZeus
Gratitude

[waterboy 2.0]

Actually that can't be old seed, and doing alright You wouldn't call them dormant yet rereading that...lol

 

If the don't rot, they have a chance.

 

Some seed lots come up around the same time, others can be staggered over time (seed quality probably) . That shows up larger sowings.

 

If you get a heap of native tubestock tubes down the track PM me I can send a heap of both. If you want a mini forest.

 

Florabunda has the potential to be   invasive in Bush settings, which is worth a consider if that's the type of area your aiming to grow them out.

 

 

[TheMooseZeus]

Wow, thank you so much! I'll keep you updated on here.

I have some caapi and viridis planted too so i can't wait for those  

Thanks for your help 

[TheMooseZeus]

I would also like to know how long i can expect before i get a decent tree

I hear they are fast growing but i don't really know what thats relative to 

Edited February 11, 2018 by TheMooseZeus

[waterboy 2.0]

It's like how long is a piece of string?

You won't grow out acacias in a season that's for sure, need a bit of dedication...Yes you will...

 

 

 

 

Edited February 12, 2018 by waterboy 2.0

[TheMooseZeus]

Aha, i see haha

I got a little relaxed, all sorted now

 

[TheMooseZeus]

An almost 2 month old obtusi seed popped up last night after some hot weather. Looks stronger than anything.

I think i remember hearing that the first top come up are the weakest. (Don't quote me on that) 

[TheMooseZeus]

Aaaand another today, things are looking up