🌿 How to Grow Dodonaea Viscosa (Hopbush) from Seeds

Also known as:

• Hindi: बन सिन्दूर / स्याह झाड़ी

• Tamil: காட்டுப்பழி

• Telugu: గాలి వేప

• Malayalam: കാട്ടുവേപ്പ്

• Kannada: ಕಾಡು ಬೇವು

• English: Hopbush / Viscid Dodonaea / Sand Olive

1. 🌱 Choose the Right Season

• Best time to sow: Early spring (Feb–Apr) or during the monsoon (Jun–Jul)

• Prefers warm, dry to semi-arid climates

• Avoid extreme cold or frost during seedling stage

2. 🌾 Seed Pre-treatment

• Soak seeds in warm water for 12–24 hours to soften the seed coat

• Optional: Scarify seeds (lightly nick the seed coat) to improve germination rate

• Use fresh seeds for best results — viability decreases over time

3. 🪴 Prepare the Growing Medium

• Soil Type: Well-draining sandy loam or rocky soil

• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)

• Mix in organic compost or leaf mold to improve nutrition and drainage

4. 🌿 Sowing the Seeds

• Sow seeds about ½ inch (1.2 cm) deep

• In trays or pots: space 1 inch apart

• Lightly cover with soil or cocopeat

• Water gently to avoid seed displacement

5. 💧 Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist during germination

• Once seedlings emerge, reduce watering frequency

• Mature plants are drought-tolerant — avoid overwatering

6. 🌞 Germination

• Germinates in 10–20 days under warm conditions

• Needs indirect light and warmth for best sprouting

• Thin out weaker seedlings after they reach 2–3 inches tall

7. 🌤️ Sunlight & Temperature

• Requires full sunlight (6–8 hours daily) for optimal growth

• Tolerates high temperatures, winds, and poor soils

• Hardy plant, adapts well to dry and coastal areas

8. 🌱 Transplanting

• Transplant when seedlings are 4–6 inches tall

• Space plants 3–5 feet apart in open land

• Ideal for hedges, windbreaks, and erosion control

9. 🌿 Fertilization

• Not heavy feeders — mix compost at the time of planting

• Apply organic fertilizer every 2–3 months during the first year

• Once established, needs minimal feeding

10. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Care

• Naturally pest- and disease-resistant

• Occasionally susceptible to mealybugs or fungal issues in poor drainage

• Use neem oil spray and ensure good air circulation if needed

11. 🌳 Growth & Maintenance

• Grows as a dense shrub or small tree (2–6 meters tall)

• Fast-growing and low maintenance

• Prune to shape or control size, especially for hedge use

• Excellent for tough landscaping sites and reforestation

🌟 Benefits of Dodonaea Viscosa

• Used as a windbreak and soil stabilizer

• Popular in dry landscaping, borders, and hedges

• Medicinal uses in traditional systems (antiseptic, anti-inflammatory)

• Supports biodiversity in degraded lands

• Fire-resistant and suitable for afforestation projects