I read on http://asgap.org.au/a-cul.html that "propagation is relatively easy by normal seed raising methods following pretreatment by soaking in boiling water or by scarification."

I have never done scarification or pretreatment with boiling water. If I boil the seeds, how long should they remain in the boiling water? I'm assuming you soak them in the water as the water is being heated. If I try scarification, what's the best method for this species? Fine sandpaper? Any details on how to do this?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

Acacia are dead easy to propagate. With the boiling water method, just put your seed in a big mug, then cover with boiling water from the kettle. Let it sit until the water has cooled. The seed is then ready to plant out. You should never boil your seed in water as you will risk damaging the embryo and decrease your germination rate.

The boiling water method is the easiest was to scarify Acacia seed, but you could use sand paper by rubbing the seeds with it. I've always used the boiling water method to good effect. Alternatively you could use a set of nail clippers to nick the seeds, but make sure you only nick the outer coat (the testa) as, again, you can damage the embryo. Nick them from the end opposite to the growing point (opposite to the seed 'attachment' point to the pod), as if you do take off more than the testa it'll only affect the ends of the cotyledons.

Seed sown in stor-bought seed raising mix will germinate in 7-14 days and can be pricked out and sown in native potting mix when the first true leaves appear. It's good to use native tubes because they have special veins on the inside that train roots of the developing plant to grow downwards instead of curling in the pot.

I'd also wait until the weather warms up a bit. I'm in Melbourne and sow most of my native seed in early September (in a greenhouse).

Good luck, but you won't need it! Acacias are very forgiving seeds to sow.