Whether you're seeking a natural insect repellent or an eye-catching addition to your garden, Lemon Eucalyptus offers both beauty and functionality in abundance. This is a fast-growing plant, resistant to deer, that can shoot up to an impressive 1.8-2.4m (6-8') in its first season. In its native Australia, it reaches towering heights of 12-30m (40-100') at full maturity.

In recent years, Lemon Eucalyptus has gained popularity for its potent insect repellent qualities found in its refined extract, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE). This versatile tree also serves as a charming ornamental, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any outdoor space.

Container planting allows for easy maintenance and size control through simple pruning. Continue reading below for some tips on how to grow Eucalyptus from seeds.

Latin
Eucalyptus citriodora
Family: Myrtaceae

Difficulty
Easy

Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun
Zone: Hardy to Zone 8

Timing
Sow indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost date. That’s mid-winter for most gardeners. Germination should occur in 14-21 days.

Starting
Lightly cover the seeds and keep moist and warm until germination. Once the seeds sprout, remove from bottom heat and remove any humidity dome. It seems that Eucalyptus seedlings are prone to damping off, so provide bright light and air circulation around the plants. At 10-13cm (4-5″), transplant on to a container if keeping indoors. Or transplant outdoors once night time temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).

Growing
Plant in full sun in well drained, moderately rich soil. This Eucalypt can be grown in a container as an indoor houseplant and pruned to a compact size. Outdoors, take branches as needed for floral displays. They can also be dried or preserved with glycerin.