How to Grow Acacia Trees

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Acacia trees of many varieties grow naturally in nearly every part of the world. Useful for a wide variety of practical purposes in both manufacturing and herbal medicine, acacia trees are also popularly cultivated for use in landscaping, prized for their fast growth, drought resistance, and fragrant white or gold flowers. The round, puffy blooms of acacia trees attract butterflies, bees, and birds, making them desirable plants for avid gardeners and birdwatchers, while the seedpods are a food source for a variety of mammals. Most varieties of acacia trees are quite easy to grow and need little care once they become firmly established.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Cultivating acacia trees can be done with cuttings taken from a live tree or by sowing the seeds produced by the acacia. If cuttings are used, they should be taken during the summer, treated with root hormone and kept warm and moist until roots develop.

Step2

Propagating acacia trees from seed is easier and often yields more prolific results, as acacia seeds have high germination rates. Preparing the seeds in advance of planting is the key to success, done by clipping the bottom end of the seeds to penetrate their hard shell, then placing them in very warm water and leaving them to soak for two days before sowing.

Step3

Planting should be done in a light, porous medium, as acacia trees require good drainage to thrive, and full sun is the ideal lighting environment. Watering should be done only when the soil has dried, as acacia trees prefer conditions that are somewhat dry. However, if allowed to become extremely dry, acacia trees will begin to lose their leaves. Striking the right balance may take a bit of trial and error, but acacia trees are quite durable and should not suffer much from the process.

Step4

Sheltering your acacia tree seedlings from wildlife may be wise, as some animals may find the tender young leaves tasty. Once your seedlings have grown into strong young acacia trees, they will become quite self sufficient, requiring very little attention to grow and thrive.