Acacia Growing Guide

Acacia species, Acacia pycnantha and Acacia farnesiana

Crop Rotation Group

Legumes (Pea and Bean family) ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

No, acacias are semi-tropical plants. They can tolerate occasional light frost, but not hard freezes.

Feeding

None generally needed. Once established, acacias fix their own nitrogen.

Spacing

Single Plants: 6.00m (19' 8") each way (minimum)
Rows: 6.00m (19' 8") with 6.00m (19' 8") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

With patience, acacias can be started from seed in early spring. To coax the hard seeds to life, place them in a heatproof bowl and cover with near but not boiling water. Leave to soak overnight before planting the seeds 1.5cm (½ inch) deep. Otherwise seeds can be scarified by rubbing the seed coat against sand paper or a file before soaking for 24 hours. Or, save growing time by setting out purchased plants in winter or spring. Container-grown plants can be transplanted until early summer but may shed some leaves if set out under stressful conditions. Water young plants during droughts their first season after planting. Once established, acacias require very little supplemental water.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Although native to Australia, Acacia species can be invasive outside their native ranges even within Australia, please consult state and local weed lists before choosing the plant Acacia species. In home landscapes, acacia is typically grown as a specimen tree that grows to 3 to 8m (10 to 30 feet) tall. The official floral emblem of Australia, the acacia known as golden wattle covers itself with fragrant yellow blossoms in early spring. An excellent little tree for small landscapes, golden wattle also supports several native insects. In North America, native sweet acacia is popular in arid, semi-tropical areas of the southwest because of its ability to thrive with little water. In addition to these species, there are many other acacias to consider if you live in a warm, dry climate. Silver wattle (A. dealbata) produces beautiful blossom clusters for cutting.

Harvesting

Acacia branches make beautiful cut flowers when nicely trimmed.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Acacia

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail