Southern Salwood

Planting Instructions

1. Pour just-boiled water over seeds and soak for 12-24 hours to soften the hard coat.
2. Sow seeds 5-10mm deep in a free-draining native seed-raising mix.
3. Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged until germination (14-30 days).
4. Pot on seedlings once they have several sets of true leaves.
5. Plant out in a sunny position with deep, well-drained soil and space to grow.
6. Allow 4-6m between plantings when used as a shelter belt or canopy tree.

Care Tips

• Water regularly during the first summer to establish a strong root system, then reduce.
• Tolerates a wide range of soils provided drainage is reasonable.
• Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly in spring if growth is slow.
• Light formative pruning in the first few years encourages a straight, balanced canopy.
• Best suited to larger gardens and rural blocks where it can reach full height.
• Avoid planting close to drains, foundations or septic systems given its quick growth and root spread.