Making this thread so that people can share their progress growing acacia. Share photos, discuss techniques, share experiences, seed sourcing/collecting and any other info on growing here. Really keen to see more of what people are doing in this area as its a bit scattered on the forums.. hoping to consolidate people's experience growing these plants into a succinct space.
Below is some basic info on cultivating acacia for anyone interested - which I will continue to update once the ball is rolling.. much of this I am paraphrasing from Marion Simmons's book "Acacias of Australia: volume one/two" I couldn't recommend her two volumes highly enough.. they are the bible on Australian acacia.. I'd say much of her info can be applied to acacia outside of oz.
Methods of growing
Acacia can be grown from seed as well as cuttings. Cuttings will ensure true to type characteristics, while seeds can vary in their genetic expression. Some types of acacia are easier to grow from cuttings than others - bipinnate or 'fern-like' plants are more difficult than plants with phyllodes.. I believe because they will fall off the stems when stressed more easily than phyllodes which hold more moisture
Most Acacia seed, with a few exceptions, requires pre-treatment before sowing. The most commonly used method is treatment with boiling water - in which boiling hot water is poured over seeds and left to soak for about 24 hrs or until swollen. Swollen seeds can then be sown into potting mix, or germinated in a dark place on a damp cloth. Seeds directly sown into mix can take anywhere froma week to a month (sometimes even more with some species) to germinate. Already sprouted seeds should pop up within a week.
Growing medium
Acacia likes being grown in a well drained mix.. tried and tested is a mix of three parts river sand to one part loam, coco coir or peat moss. Coir is popular as it is cheaper than peat. Sand allows the mix to drain freely while peat moss/coir helps retain a little moisture and helps bind the mix - as sand can fall out the bottom of the pot when moved/watered. Once the roots have developed a little they will also help bind the medium, preventing sand loss. A small amount of perlite will help aerate the mix.
Depending on your climate, its probably a good idea to grow seedlings in partial shade - full sun can scorch the sensitive little seedlings. When they start maturing, they can be hardened in the elements.. this is best if done gradually as sudden changes will likely shock the plants. A greenhouse setup that is partially shaded and holds heat/humidity works well for the early stages of their life. It's important for there to be ventilation as lack of airflow will result in weak stems. A cost effective option is to build a 'hoop house' with star pickets, poly pipe, greenhouse plastic and shade cloth.
Sourcing seed
Of the lesser researched species, I recommend sourcing seed from confirmed active specimens. Species such as Acacia floribunda and Acacia maidenii seem to have some differen't forms - and much of the seed from vendors probably won't be what you're looking for. Obviously many those outside of Australia can't be as selective with seed.. I think those of us who have access to seed from yielding strains of known variable species should collect, grow and produce seed of these 'type' forms. I hope there can be a standard of seed reached that becomes easy for people to acquire. But my point is for species like maidenii and floribunda, first confirm whether the seed is from a confirmed active plant to avoid future disappointment.
So .. surely there is lots of Acacia confusa being grown by members here? Are many growing African Acacia?
Don't be shy! Can't wait to see what people can bring to the thread.
Below is some basic info on cultivating acacia for anyone interested - which I will continue to update once the ball is rolling.. much of this I am paraphrasing from Marion Simmons's book "Acacias of Australia: volume one/two" I couldn't recommend her two volumes highly enough.. they are the bible on Australian acacia.. I'd say much of her info can be applied to acacia outside of oz.
Methods of growing
Acacia can be grown from seed as well as cuttings. Cuttings will ensure true to type characteristics, while seeds can vary in their genetic expression. Some types of acacia are easier to grow from cuttings than others - bipinnate or 'fern-like' plants are more difficult than plants with phyllodes.. I believe because they will fall off the stems when stressed more easily than phyllodes which hold more moisture
Most Acacia seed, with a few exceptions, requires pre-treatment before sowing. The most commonly used method is treatment with boiling water - in which boiling hot water is poured over seeds and left to soak for about 24 hrs or until swollen. Swollen seeds can then be sown into potting mix, or germinated in a dark place on a damp cloth. Seeds directly sown into mix can take anywhere froma week to a month (sometimes even more with some species) to germinate. Already sprouted seeds should pop up within a week.
Growing medium
Acacia likes being grown in a well drained mix.. tried and tested is a mix of three parts river sand to one part loam, coco coir or peat moss. Coir is popular as it is cheaper than peat. Sand allows the mix to drain freely while peat moss/coir helps retain a little moisture and helps bind the mix - as sand can fall out the bottom of the pot when moved/watered. Once the roots have developed a little they will also help bind the medium, preventing sand loss. A small amount of perlite will help aerate the mix.
Depending on your climate, its probably a good idea to grow seedlings in partial shade - full sun can scorch the sensitive little seedlings. When they start maturing, they can be hardened in the elements.. this is best if done gradually as sudden changes will likely shock the plants. A greenhouse setup that is partially shaded and holds heat/humidity works well for the early stages of their life. It's important for there to be ventilation as lack of airflow will result in weak stems. A cost effective option is to build a 'hoop house' with star pickets, poly pipe, greenhouse plastic and shade cloth.
Sourcing seed
Of the lesser researched species, I recommend sourcing seed from confirmed active specimens. Species such as Acacia floribunda and Acacia maidenii seem to have some differen't forms - and much of the seed from vendors probably won't be what you're looking for. Obviously many those outside of Australia can't be as selective with seed.. I think those of us who have access to seed from yielding strains of known variable species should collect, grow and produce seed of these 'type' forms. I hope there can be a standard of seed reached that becomes easy for people to acquire. But my point is for species like maidenii and floribunda, first confirm whether the seed is from a confirmed active plant to avoid future disappointment.
So .. surely there is lots of Acacia confusa being grown by members here? Are many growing African Acacia?
Don't be shy! Can't wait to see what people can bring to the thread.
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