Poor or no germination rate

*Was the soil moist when you sowed your seed? Has it been kept moist ever since?
Seeds will stop germinating if they have been allowed to dry out at all. They must be kept moist in order to germinate and therefore we recommend watering at least twice a day during this period. Ensure the entire length of the tube is moist (not just the top) by removing a tube from the box and checking the drainage holes in the bottom of the tube.

*Have you had your boxes positioned in full sunlight (at least 8 hours) AND under 50% shadecloth during the germination period?
Germination is dependent on correct soil temperature. An open sunny position is required to warm the soil sufficiently, however shadecloth is also necessary as direct sun in summer can be too hot.

*Are your tubes well filled, with soil packed down nice and firmly?
Well packed tubes are essential for supporting a strong healthy root system, which is first to develop before the leaf shoots even arrive on the surface of the soil. Germination will therefore be poor if the soil is loose or airy.

*Did you remember to pre-treat your seeds before sowing?
Some seeds will require treatment before sowing them to break their dormancy. Usually seeds with very hard coats like Acacias require a stimulus in order to germinate. See the appendix in the back of the propagation instructions to find out if your seeds require treatment.

Leaves yellowing or pale

Pale or yellow leaves indicate that your seedlings are unable to draw up nutrients sufficiently through their roots. However this may not be due to a lack of available nutrients, but rather the right conditions to support healthly root function.

*Are your seedlings receiving enough water?
After germination, watering should be carried out once a day. More often if the temperature is over 30 degrees. Use a shower rose setting on your hose. A soft mist spray will unlikely be enough to penetrate the entire length of the tubes where the roots tips are searching for water.

*Are your seedlings receiving too much water?
Over-watering can cause the soil to become waterlogged and roots are not able to function properly. Remember, they are adapted to South Australia's dry conditions! Green gravel is a sign of over watering and/ or too much shade. Cut back on the amount of water you use.

*Are your seedlings receiving enough sunlight?
A minimum of 8 hours direct sunlight is required for seedlings to process energy for growing. As soon as your seedlings reveal their first pair of "true" leaves they must be moved into unobstructed sunlight.

*Did you remember to add the fertilizer provided to your soil mix? Is the fertilizer spread evenly in all tubes?
The soil mix provided does not contain any plant nutrients, so if individual tubes are missing fertilizer pellets they will be struggling. Use a liquid fertilizer such as Maxicrop, Thrive or Aquasol, suitable for use on native seedlings.

Leaves browning off

*Are you using a saline watering source?
Bore water can often be too salty and browning of the leaves can be an indication. Flush with rainwater and discontinue use of bore water on your seedlings.

*Did you remember to add the fertilizer to your soil mix? Is the fertilizer spread evenly in all tubes?
Browning off can indicate a nutrient deficiency, (see above, all items in "leaves yellowing"). Callistemons and Melaleucas are susceptible to nutrient deficiency in the early stages and will require a liquid fertilizer after germination.

Leaves disappearing

*Are slugs and snails destroying your seedlings?
Ensure your seedlings are raised up off the ground to avoid pests. You can also put snail bait between tubes at the bottom of your box and renew every few weeks.

*Are caterpillars eating your seedlings?
Be sure to look on the underside of leaves for sneaky caterpillars. You will need to remove these by hand and keep a vigilant eye out for more.

*Do your seedlings appear cut off at the stem?
You may have cutworms in the soil. They have arrived in your soil from moths laying eggs on your tubes.Either dig them out, or flush tubes with a very dilute soapy water.