Backhousia Citriodora "Lemon Myrtle"-EDIBLES-BUY IN BULK-Seeds
‘Lemon Myrtle’
Sowing Time: Spring or Autumn.
Climate: Avoid hottest and coldest times.
Position: Shaded.
Preparation: Soak seed overnight in water.
Sowing: Sow seed on surface of a porous seed raising mix.
Care: Sprinkle a very light covering of the seed raising mix over the seed. Do not bury seed deeply. Water with fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed. Keep warm & moist, avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
Sprouting: 21-60 days depending on the temperature and conditions.
Harvest: As needed. Do not remove more than 1/3 of the leaves from the plant at a time.
Chakra: Solar Plexus.
Description: Backhousia Citriodora (from the Myrtaceae family) used to be known in forestry literature as lemon ironwood but in modern uses in foods or drinks etc. it is mostly now called lemon myrtle (lemon ironbark is a different species, Eucalyptus staigeriana, which also contains c1tral, but not as strongly as in lemon myrtle). B.citriodora is best propagated from cuttings, which may be slow to strike. Lemon myrtle is a popular plant in cultivation and has been successfully grown in cooler districts provided it can be protected from frost when young. In its natural habitat it can reach 20 metres in height but is often smaller. In cultivation it rarely exceeds about 5 metres.
White flowers occur in clusters at the ends of the branches in summer through to autumn. Although the flowers are attractive, B.citriodora is grown more for the lemon fragrance of the foliage. However, the species is known to have at least two chem1cal forms, and their respective aromatic essential oils (which give the aroma and flavour) are richer either in c1tral or its close chem1cal relative citr0nella. The c1tral form seems to be much more common and this form is the one selected and grown for its sweet lemon-type perfume and flavour. When crushed, the leaves emit a very strong aroma which would rival any member of the citrus family. Leaves can be used fresh, dried or dried & ground. They can be used in a range of ways to create dishes, including biscuits, muffins, cheese cakes, hot and cold beverages. Lemon myrtle essential oil is used in cosmetics, soaps, deodorants and room sprays.
The Chakra Garden can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants.
Always seek advice from a professional before eating or using a plant therapeutically.
General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination. Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded. Growing information retrieved from "Australian Seed" 21 March 2020
*****Please note: These are seeds and NOT live plants!! Quarantine restrictions and inspection fees prohibit the sale of these seeds to Western Australia, Tasmania, and Internationally.
