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syzygium australis cuttings
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Posted by Beebs QLD Aust (My Page) on Fri, May 21, 04 at 21:57
| I bought some syzygium australis a few years back, and these have done fabulously well with hardly any input from me! I want to propagate some more for a hedge and have tried to grow the seeds (red berries) without much success. I have looked on the internet for advice, but I get the impression that all that is called "syzygium australis" is not the same thing so I'm not sure what I'm dealing with. Mine are supposed to reach a height of 3m (they are actually about 4m), and have grown fairly rapidly. Is it better to take cuttings? If so how do I do this? Wbat time of year is best? If seeds are the better option is there a specific mix I should grow them in? Do I need to let the berries dry out first? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: syzygium australis cuttings
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| Have a go at taking cuttings - about 8-10 cm long. Plant them into sandy potting mix and see how they go. Try some with a plastic bag over and some not. Now is a good time for most cuttings, but I take them at any time of the year. With berries, I have always believed fresh is best. Use a sandy mix to propogate them. Some seed, such as tomato, have a protective coating around the seed that needs to be cleaned off before they will germinate. Wash the seed well by rubbing them in a steel-mesh sieve. That should get them clean. You could also try letting them ferment for a few days - about 3-4, by leaving them in some water in the kitchen, then cleaning as above. If you have enough berries try both methods and see which works the best. Have fun
Robyn |
RE: syzygium australis cuttings
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a word on taking the cuttings - I would suggest selecting a suitable branchlet (you will often find a few growing out of the trunk at the base of the plant) and pulling (rather than cutting) them off the trunk with a brisk downward pull. This will give you a "cutting" with a good "foot" which is better for producing roots. Keep the cuttings in a humid environment.
Tony |
RE: syzygium australis cuttings
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| Seeds quickly lose their viability so plant as soon as possible after harvesting. You can either plant the entire berry or clean, as per Robyn's instructions. But get them in immediately. Use a good quality medium and position the pot/tray in the shade. Keep moist. |
RE: syzygium australis cuttings
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- Posted by Beebs QLD Aust (My Page) on
Wed, May 26, 04 at 5:57
| Thanks everyone. Will get cracking next weekend and let you know how I go! :) |
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