Quick Summary
- Forestry tubes (also called tube pots or tube stock pots) are tall, narrow containers designed specifically for propagating native Australian plants from seed or cutting.
- Their deep, narrow profile encourages strong downward root growth — producing seedlings with better survival rates when transplanted into the field.
- Standard sizes are 50 mm square and 70 mm square, with 50 mm being the most common for large-scale revegetation.
- Cell tray systems (such as 40-cell trays) hold the tubes upright and make watering, transport, and planting dramatically more efficient.
- Forestry tubes are the standard container used by Landcare groups, councils, schools, nurseries, and anyone growing native seedlings for revegetation.
What Are Forestry Tubes?
Forestry tubes are a specialised type of plant container developed for the native plant nursery industry. Unlike standard round pots, forestry tubes are square in cross-section and significantly taller than they are wide. This shape is deliberate — it is engineered to produce the kind of root system that gives seedlings the best chance of survival once they are planted out into harsh Australian conditions.
The term "tube stock" refers to seedlings grown in these containers. When you buy native plants from a wholesale nursery or Landcare supplier, they almost always arrive as tube stock — small plants in forestry tubes, typically 15–30 cm tall, ready for planting.
Why the Shape Matters
The tall, narrow profile of a forestry tube is based on decades of propagation research. In shallow, wide pots, roots spread outward and circle the walls, creating a root-bound plant that struggles in dry conditions because its roots sit near the surface where soil dries first.
A forestry tube forces roots to grow downward instead. The narrow walls give roots nowhere to circle, so they grow straight toward the drainage holes. When planted out, these vertically oriented roots penetrate deeper into the soil profile, accessing moisture that persists long after the surface has dried. In Australia, where topsoil can dry to dust while subsoil stays moist, that depth is the difference between survival and failure.
Air Pruning
Quality forestry tubes have open-bottom or slotted designs that allow air pruning — when a root tip reaches the open base, exposure to air stops it elongating. The plant responds by producing lateral branching roots further up, resulting in a dense, fibrous root system that establishes faster after transplanting.
Sizing Guide
50 mm Square Forestry Tubes
- Dimensions: Approximately 50 mm x 50 mm x 120 mm deep
- Volume: Roughly 200–250 mL
- Best for: Most native species for standard revegetation — eucalyptus, acacia, melaleuca, banksia, grevillea, callistemon, and native grasses.
- When to use: Large-scale plantings where cost per seedling and transport weight matter. The smaller size means more plants per tray, per pallet, and per trailer load.
50 mm tubes are the industry standard for broad-scale revegetation across Australia. If you are growing seedlings for a Landcare project, council planting, or farm shelter belt, this is almost certainly the size you need.
70 mm Square Forestry Tubes
- Dimensions: Approximately 70 mm x 70 mm x 150 mm deep
- Volume: Roughly 500–600 mL
- Best for: Species that need more root space before transplanting — slower-growing trees, species with extensive root systems, or seedlings that will spend longer in the nursery before planting out.
- When to use: Smaller-scale projects where individual plant quality is more important than quantity. Also suitable for growing native seedlings for retail sale, where buyers expect a slightly larger plant.
Which Size Should You Choose?
| Your Situation | Recommended Size |
|---|---|
| Large-scale revegetation (500+ seedlings) | 50 mm |
| Landcare community planting day | 50 mm |
| Council roadside or park planting | 50 mm |
| School propagation project | 50 mm (easier for small hands) |
| Small garden planting (under 50 seedlings) | 70 mm |
| Retail nursery production | 70 mm |
| Slow-growing rainforest species | 70 mm |
Tray Systems
Individual forestry tubes need a tray to hold them upright. Trying to manage loose tubes is impractical — they topple over, dry out unevenly, and are a nightmare to transport.
40-Cell Forestry Tube Trays
The most common configuration is the 40-cell tray — a rigid plastic tray with 40 square openings, each sized to hold one 50 mm forestry tube. These trays are designed to:
- Hold tubes securely upright during germination, growing, and transport.
- Allow drainage — water passes through the tubes and out the base of the tray.
- Stack and nest for efficient storage and transport.
- Fit standard nursery benches and watering systems.
A 40-cell tray with 50 mm forestry tube pots is the complete setup most growers need to get started.
Tray Care
Trays are reusable for many seasons. Between uses: 1. Remove old tubes and brush off soil debris. 2. Wash with a dilute bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to sterilise. 3. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before restocking with fresh tubes.
Growing Native Seedlings from Seed
Forestry tubes are the ideal container for raising native Australian plants from seed. Here is a straightforward method.
Prepare Your Mix
Native seeds need a well-draining, low-nutrient mix: 50% coarse propagation sand, 30% peat or coir, and 20% perlite or fine pumice. Do not use rich potting mix — high nutrient levels burn native seedlings and encourage fungal disease.
Sow and Grow
Fill each tube to the brim, tap the tray to settle, then sow:
- Small seeds (eucalyptus, melaleuca, callistemon): Scatter 2–3 seeds on the surface and press gently. Do not cover — these need light to germinate.
- Medium seeds (acacia, banksia): Place 1–2 seeds per tube and cover with 5–10 mm of mix.
- Hard-coated seeds (many acacias): Pre-treat with a hot water soak for 24 hours before sowing.
Water gently with a fine rose and place trays in a warm spot with bright indirect light. Keep the mix consistently moist but never waterlogged. Thin to one seedling per tube once true leaves appear — snip extras at soil level rather than pulling.
Harden Off
Before planting out, gradually expose seedlings to full sun and wind over 2–3 weeks to reduce transplant shock.
Landcare and School Projects
Forestry tubes are a natural fit for community-based growing programs. Most Landcare groups use them as their standard propagation container — the compact size means volunteer-run nurseries can produce thousands of seedlings in a small shade house, and the 40-cell tray system makes planting day distribution simple.
For schools, growing native seedlings is one of the most rewarding environmental education activities. Students can collect local seed, propagate across a term, then plant out on a community day. The 50 mm tube size is perfect for small hands, and the trays are robust enough for a primary school environment.
Tips for Success
- Use local provenance seed where possible — plants grown from locally collected seed are adapted to your specific soil, rainfall, and temperature conditions.
- Label everything. It is remarkably easy to mix up species when you have 20 trays of green seedlings that all look similar at the cotyledon stage.
- Water in the morning. This gives foliage time to dry before nightfall, reducing fungal disease risk.
- Do not over-fertilise. Natives, especially proteaceae (banksia, grevillea, hakea), are sensitive to phosphorus. Use a native-specific fertiliser if feeding at all.
- Plant out when ready, not when convenient. Seedlings should be 15–25 cm tall with a well-developed root system before transplanting. Planting too early wastes seedlings; planting too late means they are root-bound.
Ready to start propagating? Browse our full forestry tube range, including the popular 40-cell tray with 50 mm tube pots, with fast shipping across Australia.