How to Plant Seeds from a Myrtle Tree

Myrtle trees are often cultivated for their fragrant leaves and delicate white flowers. But did you know that they can also be grown from seeds? With a few simple steps, you can plant your own myrtle tree and enjoy its beauty and fragrance in your garden.

Gather the Seeds

The first step in planting a myrtle tree from seeds is to gather them. Myrtle seeds can be found inside the fruit of the tree, which looks like a small blue-black berry when ripe. To collect the seeds, you can either pick the fruit directly from the tree or wait for it to fall to the ground. Once you have a handful of fruit, you can remove the seeds by squeezing them out or by crushing the fruit and extracting them.

Prepare the Soil

After gathering the seeds, the next step is to prepare the soil for planting. Myrtle trees prefer moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. You can achieve this type of soil by mixing compost, sand, and peat moss with your existing soil. Make sure to remove any rocks, weeds, or other debris from the planting area to ensure that the seeds have a clear space to grow.

Plant the Seeds

Once the soil is prepared, it's time to plant the myrtle seeds. Because myrtle seeds have a hard coat, it's beneficial to nick or scarify them with a knife or sandpaper to help them germinate. Then, plant the seeds about 1/2 inch deep in the soil and cover them lightly with soil. Water the soil thoroughly.

Care for the Seedlings

After planting the seeds, you'll need to care for the seedlings to ensure that they grow into healthy myrtle trees. Keep the soil moist by watering it regularly, but be careful not to overwater the seedlings. You can also provide some shade for the seedlings by covering them with a cloth or shade cloth for the first few weeks of growth. Fertilize the seedlings with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.

Transplant the Trees

Once the myrtle trees have grown to about 6 inches tall, they're ready to be transplanted into their permanent location. Choose a spot in your garden that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil. Plant the trees about 2-3 feet apart to allow for their growth. Water the trees regularly and fertilize them every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Conclusion

Planting a myrtle tree from seeds is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the beauty and fragrance of this popular tree. By gathering the seeds, preparing the soil, planting the seeds, caring for the seedlings, and transplanting the trees, you can grow your own myrtle trees and enjoy their beauty in your garden for years to come.