Tea Tree Manuka Seeds Leptospermum scoparium

TEA TREE (MĀNUKA) Seeds

Botanical Name: Leptospermum scoparium
Other Names: Mānuka, New Zealand Tea Tree

• Hardy evergreen shrub to small tree known for its aromatic foliage and delicate white to pink flowers.
• Highly attractive to bees and pollinators, forming the primary floral source for prized mānuka honey.
• Excellent native species for revegetation, windbreaks, and ecological restoration projects.
• Tolerates poor soils, coastal exposure, and windy conditions once established.
• Long-lived plant valued for resilience, biodiversity support, and low maintenance requirements.
• Produces essential oils traditionally used for medicinal and antiseptic purposes.

Plant Details

• Plant Type: Evergreen native shrub to small tree
• Plant Height: 2–5 m tall; up to 3 m wide (can be smaller in exposed sites)

Sowing Information

• Germination: 2–6 weeks
• Depth: Surface sow; do not cover seed (light aids germination)
• Position: Full sun to light shade
• Sow Where: Seed trays or tubes; transplant once seedlings are well established
• Soil Type: Free-draining soil; tolerates sandy, acidic, and low-fertility soils
• Spacing: 1.5–3 m between plants

Growing Tips

• Use a fine, free-draining seed-raising mix and keep evenly moist during germination.
• Avoid fertilisers high in phosphorus; native plant fertiliser is preferred if feeding is required.
• Water regularly during the first year to establish deep roots.
• Light pruning after flowering encourages bushier growth and maintains shape.

Flowering

Masses of small white to pale pink flowers appear from late spring through summer, providing a vital nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

Traditional & Practical Uses

• Leaves and oils have long-standing traditional uses for wound care and respiratory support.
• Widely planted for honey production, erosion control, and native habitat restoration.

When to Sow Tea Tree (Mānuka) in Your Climate