Melaleuca Bracteata seeds, Black tea tree

The **Melaleuca**, also known as the "tea tree," is a genus of plants in the Myrtaceae family, which includes popular species like **Melaleuca alternifolia** (the Australian tea tree). This genus is prized for its spiky flowers and aromatic foliage. Sowing **Melaleuca** seeds can be a little tricky due to their small size and the need for specific conditions, but with the right method, you can successfully grow them.

Here is a guide to successfully sowing Melaleuca seeds.

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### **Materials needed:**
- **Melaleuca** seeds.
- Light and well-draining substrate (seedling soil, perlite, sand).
- Pots or seed trays.
- Spray bottle or watering can with a fine nozzle.
- Mini greenhouse or plastic film (optional).
- Indirect light or horticultural lamp.

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### **Steps for sowing Melaleuca seeds:**

#### 1. **Seed preparation:**
- Melaleuca seeds are small and can have a tough skin. Scarification is not usually necessary, but soaking the seeds in warm water for about 12 to 24 hours can help improve germination by softening the seed skin.

#### 2. **Choosing the right time to sow:**
- The best time to sow **Melaleuca** seeds is **in spring** or **in summer**, when temperatures are stable and moderate.
- Seeds germinate best at a temperature between **18 and 24 °C**.

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#### 3. **Substrate preparation:**
- Use a light and well-draining mix, such as a mixture of **seed potting soil**, **perlite** and **sand** (or vermiculite) to ensure good drainage.
- Fill pots or seed trays with this substrate and lightly tamp down to even out the surface, without compacting too much.

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#### 4. **Sowing the seeds:**
- **Sow the seeds on the surface** of the substrate. **Melaleuca** seeds are very small, and it is important not to bury them, as they need light to germinate.
- **Do not cover them**, but gently press the seeds to ensure good contact with the substrate.
- You can also lightly spray water to maintain constant humidity.

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#### 5. **Germination conditions:**
- **Humidity:** Maintain constant humidity, but avoid saturating the substrate. Lightly mist if necessary.
- **Temperature:** Place the pots in a warm location, ideally at **18-24 °C**. A stable and moderate temperature is crucial for germination.
- **Light:** Melaleuca seeds need light to germinate, so place them in a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight, which could dry out the substrate.
- A **mini-greenhouse** or **plastic film** can help maintain constant temperature and humidity, but be sure to ventilate regularly to prevent mold.

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#### 6. **Germination time:**
- Germination of **Melaleuca** seeds can take between **3 and 6 weeks**, depending on heat and humidity conditions. Be patient and continue to maintain stable temperature and humidity.

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### **Seedling Care:**

#### 1. **After germination:**
- Once the seedlings appear, continue to maintain consistent humidity. They will need indirect light to develop properly. A grow light can be used to provide sufficient light, especially if you are sowing indoors.
- **Ventilation:** If you have used a mini-greenhouse or plastic film, remove them gradually to allow the seedlings to adapt to the ambient air and avoid excess humidity.

#### 2. **Watering:**
- Water the young seedlings moderately, keeping the substrate slightly moist. Use a spray bottle to avoid disturbing the small roots and leaves.
- Avoid letting water stagnate in the pots, as this can lead to root rot.

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#### 3. **Transplanting the seedlings:**
- When the seedlings have reached **2-3 cm in height** and you can handle them without risking damage, you can begin transplanting them into individual pots. Handle the roots carefully, as they are still fragile at this stage.
- Be careful not to bury the roots too deeply and to maintain a slight moisture around the young plants.

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### **Transplanting in open ground:**

#### 1. **When to transplant:**
- Once the young plants are sufficiently robust and when outside temperatures are stable and warmer (in spring or summer), you can transplant them into open ground.
- Ensure that there is no longer any risk of freezing.

#### 2. **Location:**
- Melaleuca prefers a location in full sun or bright light for optimal flowering. Choose a sunny spot, especially for species like Melaleuca alternifolia.
- The soil must be well **drained**, light and slightly acidic. If necessary, improve drainage by adding sand or gravel.

#### 3. **Spacing:**
- Space the young plants **30 to 50 cm** apart to allow each plant to develop properly.

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### **Post-planting maintenance:**

1. **Watering:**
- Melaleuca needs moderately moist soil, but once established, it is quite drought-tolerant.
- Make sure that young plants are not overwatered. It is best to let the soil dry out between waterings.

2. **Size:**
- If necessary, you can lightly prune dead or damaged branches to promote better shape and denser growth.
- You can also prune lightly after flowering to encourage new growth.

3. **Fertilization:**
- Melaleuca does not need frequent fertilization, but a moderate application of a balanced liquid fertilizer in spring can encourage good growth.

4. **Rustiness:**
Some Melaleuca species are sensitive to frost, while others are more resistant. You may need to protect your young plants in winter if you live in a cold region.

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### **Additional tips:**
- If you live in an area with cold temperatures, it may be better to grow **Melaleuca** in a pot, which you can bring indoors during the winter.
- **Melaleuca** can be sensitive to excessive moisture and root rot, so make sure the soil is well drained and that the pots or outdoor soil do not remain too waterlogged.