How to germinate Dodonaea viscosa

Dodonaea viscosa (Hopbush) is a cosmopolitan evergreen shrub native to Australia, found in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions worldwide. Seeds have physical dormancy with water-impermeable coat, successfully broken by scarification.

Before sowing

Scarification

quimica H2SO4 (10 min) or hot water immersion (10 min) or dry heat (50°C, 1 min) - acid treatment achieved 91% germination

Stratification

fria · 42 d · 4°C

Soak

24 h Soak in hot water or treat with sulfuric acid to break water-impermeable seed coat

Physical dormancy due to water-impermeable seed coat; mechanical scarification, chemical (H2SO4), hot water or heat treatments all effective; untreated seeds only 30% germination

Sowing

Substrate

sterile medium or well-draining seed starting mix

Depth

levemente_coberta

Temperature

25°C

Moisture

media

Container

Dibble tubes or seed trays

What to expect

Step 1

Pre-treat the seed

Step 2

Sow at levemente_coberta · 25°C

Day 10–42

Seedlings emerge (~91%)

Tips

Light has little effect on germination; avoid salinity in medium; seeds sensitive to osmotic inhibition; germination may take several weeks; store dry seeds for extended periods; propagate in shade house with 50% shade after last frost; keep warm and moist but avoid waterlogging

Sources: USDA Plants Database, Saudi Journal Biological Sciences (2020), Seed Science Research (2004-2005), Cambridge University Press, Australian Seed suppliers

Fresh seeds to sow

Dodonaea viscosa

Before sowing

Sowing

What to expect

Tips

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