Australia is home to heaps native plants that are well-adapted to the country's diverse climates.
This guide will walk you through the benefits of growing Australian natives, the best tips to cultivate them successfully, and a detailed step-by-step guide to help you grow these resilient beauties from seeds or cuttings.
Why Grow Australian Native Plants?
- Low Water Requirements: Australian natives are very tolerant to dry, harsh environments, making them great for low maintenance gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Australian natives tend to be hardy and resilient, and once established can almost be left on their own.
- Attracts Wildlife: Australian natives provide shelter and food for local fauna such as birds, bees, butterflies, and small mammals. Incorporating these plants into your garden promotes native biodiversity.
- Sustainability: Native plants help restore the natural ecosystem, improving soil health and conserving resources by reducing the need for chemical interventions.
Tips for Growing Australian Natives
- Know Your Climate: Australia has multiple climate zones ranging from tropical and arid to temperate and alpine. It's important to choose plants suited to your local conditions. If you’re not sure what your climate is you can use our climate chart.
- Soil Preparation: Native plants prefer well-draining soil. Many species are like poor, sandy soils with low nutrient levels. Avoid using fertilisers as they can hurt natives and if your soil leans towards clay - add in some sand to improve the drainability.
- Sunlight: Most Australian natives require full sun to partial shade. Plants like Kangaroo Paw and Billy Button (and many others) need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily to bloom effectively.
- Watering: Native plants need less water once established. When planting young natives, keep the soil moist but make sure they don’t get wet feet. Once established you can almost just not water them.
- Pruning: Light pruning can help maintain the shape of your plants and encourage denser growth. Many natives respond well to pruning after flowering.
- Pests and Diseases: Native plants are typically resistant to many pests and diseases common to exotic species.
How Long Do Australian Natives Take to Germinate?
Australian native seeds vary widely in germination times, depending on the species and environmental factors. Some species germinate quickly, while others may take weeks or even months.
- Fast Germinators (2-4 weeks): Some species like Acacia and Kangaroo Paw can germinate within 2 to 4 weeks under the right conditions.
- Slow Germinators (6-12 months): Certain plants may take several months to a year to germinate, especially if they require special treatment like smoke or heat to break seed dormancy.
Many native seeds have hard outer shells that require pretreatment to encourage germination. Patience is key when growing natives from seed as germination can take over 6 months (which is bad for me as I’m impatient).
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Australian Natives
Growing Natives from Seed
1 - Seed Collection or buying
You can collect seeds from mature native plants or purchase them from nurseries specialising in Australian natives. Ensure seeds are viable and not too old, as some may lose their ability to germinate over time.
2 - Seed Preparation
Scarification: For species with hard-coated seeds like Native Wisteria, soak seeds in boiling water for a few seconds, then allow them to cool for 12–24 hours.
Smoke Treatment: Some Australian natives require smoke or heat to trigger germination, mimicking the effect of bushfires.
Soaking: Soaking seeds in water for 24 hours can help soften their shells and speed up germination.
3 - Sowing the Seeds
Choose a well-draining seed-raising mix or make your own by mixing equal parts sand and compost. Fill seed trays or pots with the mix and lightly press the seeds into the soil. Cover with a thin layer of soil (about twice the seed's depth).
4 - Watering
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It’s important to maintain consistent moisture, especially during the early stages of germination.
5 - Germination
Place the seed trays in a sunny location. Germination times will vary depending on the species (as discussed earlier). Be patient and regularly check for seedlings.
6 - Transplanting Seedlings
Once seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves and are strong enough to handle, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into your garden. Be careful not to disturb the roots too much during this process.
Water the transplanted seedlings gently and ensure they are placed in a spot with appropriate sunlight for the species.
Growing Natives from Cuttings
If you want something a little bit faster you can always give propagation a crack!
1 - Select Healthy Cuttings
Choose a healthy, semi-hardwood section of the plant. Cut a 10–15 cm piece just below where the leaves join the stem.
2 - Remove Lower Leaves
Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to prevent moisture loss and fungal issues when planted.
3 - Prepare the Cutting
Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone gel or powder to encourage root development.
4 - Plant the Cutting
Insert the cutting into a pot filled with a free-draining potting mix. Ensure that at least half of the cutting is buried. Gently firm the soil around the cutting to hold it in place.
5 - Water and Cover
Water the cutting lightly and cover the pot with a plastic bag or a propagator lid to create a humid environment. This helps prevent the cutting from drying out while it roots.
6 - Root Development
Place the pot in a bright but indirect light spot. It can take 4 to 12 weeks for roots to develop. Regularly check for moisture and mist the cuttings if needed.
7 - Transplant
Once roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted into the garden or a larger pot. As with seedlings, handle them with care during this transition period.
Growing Australian natives in your outdoor area is a great way to promote and encourage native biodiversity - native plants give food and shelter to our wildlife (they also look pretty cool).
With the right care and attention, your native garden will thrive, providing a stunning landscape that supports local wildlife, conserves water, and celebrates the unique beauty of Australia’s flora.
