Grow Zones: 8,9,10,11

Other Names: Leptospermum scoparium, Tea Tree, Broom Teatree, Manuka, New Zealand Tea Tree

Seed Size: Very Tiny (thread-like seeds)

 

The manuka tea tree is native to New Zealand but has been recently grown in the United States along warm coastal regions, both tropical and sub-tropical. This evergreen shrub grows at a medium rate and can be grown in a pot, trimmed as a hedge, or grow all the way up into a shrub or small tree size. It has a charming old world or antique look to it with dainty and prim-looking flowers of white with pinkish-red centers. Leptospermum scoparium comes in 3 colors: white, pink and red. These seeds came from the white variety however do note that I offer the pink/red ones as well. So be sure to check out my other items when you get the chance!

 

The manuka shrub can grow in a variety of soils including sand and clay. And as well as it grows in warmer climates it can withstand cold temperatures with ease. 

 

Save the leaves to make a medicinal manna tea that not only has a nice flavor but is jam-packed with vitamin C. Seriously, men wouldn't go out to sea without either oranges or manuka tea tree leaves back in the old days for fear of catching scurvy.

 

 

 

Manuka wood chips are used to infuse a savory flavor into smoked meats. Even still, more uses for the tea tree are found in the Chinese Medicinal texts.

 

Germination Procedure: This seed germinates sporadically and requires sunlight to sprout. Choose a soil that won't allow the seeds to "fall into darkness" when watered. Dampen the soil well before sowing the tiny seeds on the surface so that when you mist water later on, the seeds will still remain, and be less likely to fall down into the soil away from the needed sunlight. Keep seeds and soil in 75 degree temperatures. Under these conditions, some of the seeds germinate within 3 weeks. Others could take months to germinate.