Eucalyptus Globulus

There are plants that rush.
And then there are plants that ask you to slow down.

Eucalyptus globulus is one of those.

I first fell in love with eucalyptus when I realized that it could be grown as an annual in my zone 6b. I have grown it year after year and enjoyed several harvests per season.

But this isn’t a beginner plant, and it isn’t forgiving if you ignore its needs.

Eucalyptus globulus (often called Tasmanian blue gum) is a fast-growing evergreen tree native to Australia. In its native environment it becomes massive. In our climates—especially if you’re growing it in containers or greenhouses—it stays much more manageable, but it still carries that same wild, medicinal spirit.

Starting Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus wants light—a lot of it. Seeds are tiny and should be surface-sown, never buried. I start mine indoors early, under lights, and keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Good airflow matters from the start.

Warmth helps with germination, but patience is essential. It doesn’t pop up overnight.

Growing Conditions

Once established, eucalyptus likes:

• Excellent drainage (this is important)

• Lean soil (too rich and it gets leggy)

• Full sun

Room for roots, even in pots.

I always grow eucalyptus in containers so I can control moisture and protect it from extreme cold. In the greenhouse, it thrives with bright light and consistent but restrained watering. But I also plant it indoors in early spring and keep it outside all summer. The leaves don’t get long and leggy as it would if I was growing it in Australia, but they are full and smell so wonderful.

Harvesting & Use

For medicinal use, the largest leaves are the medicine. I harvest lightly and often, never taking more than the plant can spare. But when the summer season is over I cut it all the way back and bring it inside. If you can keep it all winter it will bless you with more harvests come spring. If not just plant it and just enjoy it through the summer. One plant provides most of what I need but this year I plan to grow four of them.

It’s antimicrobial, aromatic, and powerful—especially in steam, salves, and respiratory preparations. This is a plant you respect, not overuse. I use it only externally.

Eucalyptus globulus isn’t gentle medicine—but it’s honest medicine.

And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.

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