Acacias are a huge favorite for gardens and balconies, and it’s easy to see why. When they’re in full bloom, they put on a spectacular show that’s a total head-turner. But before you get digging, there are a few things you should know to keep your acacia happy and healthy.
Different Ways to Grow Your Acacia
The main draw of the acacia is definitely that gorgeous, long-lasting floral display. When it comes to growing them, you’ve got a couple of options: you can plant them directly in the ground or keep them in containers.
Planting in the Garden
You can certainly plant your acacia right in your garden beds. Just keep in mind that most acacias aren’t frost-hardy. This means you’ll have to dig them up every fall and move them to a protected spot for the winter. It’s totally doable, but it does add a bit of extra work to your seasonal garden chores.
Growing in Containers
Most gardeners find it much easier to grow acacias in pots or planters. This gives you the flexibility to move them around your garden, balcony, or patio whenever you like. Here’s a pro tip: you can actually bury the entire pot in your garden bed! It gives you that “planted in the ground” look, but makes it a breeze to lift the plant out when it’s time to bring it inside for the winter.
Choosing the Right Pot
If you’re going the container route, size matters. You’ll want a pot that’s about twice as large as the root ball to give the plant plenty of room to stretch out. Here are a few more things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom so excess water can escape.
- Skip the standard peat-based potting soil.
- Instead, mix in some lava granules or coconut coir to create a substrate that drains well and stays airy.
How to Plant Your Acacia
The best time to get your acacia settled in is during the spring, ideally between March and May. Just follow these simple steps:
- Soak the entire root ball in a bucket of water until it’s completely saturated.
- Create a drainage layer at the bottom of your pot using gravel or small stones, and cover it with a piece of landscape fleece.
- Add some of your soil mix to the pot and set the acacia inside.
- Fill in the remaining space with soil, press down lightly, and give your plant a good drink of water.
