🌳 Eucalyptus: Growing Guide
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at −5 to 42 °C (23–108 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Space plants about 500 cm (197 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Eucalyptus globulus |
|---|---|
| Category | Shade Trees |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 500 cm (197 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | −5 to 42 °C (23–108 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Height | 500–8000 cm (197–3150 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | |||||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | |||||||||||
| Tropical | Plant out | |||||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Jan.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb.
Watering
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 21 days in winter. Drought tolerant.
Growing tips
Very fast growth. Essential oils. Invasive in the Mediterranean. Biomass.
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Eucalyptus: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar. Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb. Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Jan.
Eucalyptus: how often should I water it?
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 21 days in winter. Drought tolerant.
Eucalyptus: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 500 cm (197 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 5 cm (2 in).
Eucalyptus: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Eucalyptus: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Lerp, Gum leaf skeletoniser.
Plan your garden
Add Eucalyptus to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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