TGG has 20 years experience in specialist contract growing. Contracts supplied include large scale plantations in SE Asia and Australia as well as projects on almost every continent. To date the largest supply to a single project has been just under 1 million trees, but the systems and infrastructure in place are capable of larger output and can be readily duplicated as demand grows.

James Lawrence with Headstarters™ plantHeadstarters™ are produced from containerised stock grown in a soil free and non-organic media (to EU quarantine standard) long enough to ensure a strong root system with a framework of thick roots, not just feeder roots - which is crucial as these thicker roots have stored starches and ensure survival and strong regeneration. TGG have developed management techniques to keep the trees in a juvenile state in the nursery prior to processing, allowing us to always keep stock on hand. After an order is received they are bare-rooted and the roots and trunk trimmed before packing. They travel safely for long periods and are easy to handle for planting. After planting they regenerate and behave as a normal sapling, showing no ill effect from their restricted start in the nursery, unlike as can happen with potted or cell tray stock if held too long. (We have tested and re-tested our methods.) Headstarters are highly resilient due to multiple reserve buds and the well developed roots.  ►► Headstarters™ Introduction  There is scope to supply smaller or larger Headstarters™ on a case by case basis. Likewise we are open to developing new products if it is demanded and can be done commercially. ►► more TGG products

TGG SUPPLY PLANTS TO PAULOWNIA PLANTATIONS WORLDWIDE

Please use the quotation request form to assist us to give you more information about the best genetics and planting stock products available to you.

TGG Paulownia have been supplied to:

Australia

Bulgaria

Cambodia

Canada

Cyprus

Denmark

Egypt

Hungary

Indonesia

Italy

Japan

Jordan

Laos

Malawi

Malaysia

Mauritius

Mexico

New Zealand

Philippines

Portugal

Romania

Sierra Leone

Spain

Sri Lanka

Thailand

Turkey

United States

Vietnam

This list may not be complete as some clients have transported our stock into neighbouring nations.

Paulownia propagation at TGG TGG are leaders in Paulownia genetics & planting stock. BULK ORDERS CAN BE DELIVERED WORLDWIDE - WE ARE EXPERIENCED EXPORTERS.

Fast Facts

• Paulownia are named for Anna Paulowna, Queen of the Netherlands & Russian princess (d.1865).
• Paulownia regrow from the stump after harvest.
• A regenerated Paulownia grew 10.38m in 1 year!

Current Stock in excess of orders: ≈ 33,000 plants: BUY.

Toad Gully Growers is committed to the mass production of premium quality Paulownia planting stock.

We are the only nursery in Australia specialising in the year round propagation and supply of Paulownia plants.

Propagation is a fascinating process. To start from a single plant and multiply it into many thousands is a very gratifying endeavour. From the beginning, the aim at TGG was to develop the most effective systems to reliably produce top quality Paulownia planting stock to meet the needs of commercial plantations.

To appreciate what sets TGG’s product apart you need to comprehend three facets of our operations; method, products and genetics.

method

In the late 1980’s we began propagating Paulownia by root cuttings. This is a low tech method and was a useful starting point, but it soon became clear it was not best practice. There are significant inefficiencies, both in time and land use, to grow saplings for several months and then dig them and trim the roots to obtain the cuttings. This is followed by further time in containers in a greenhouse while a percentage of the roots sprout, generally at varying rates and of uneven quality requiring sorting and grading before finally hardening and dispatching to the plantation. More important, however, is the disease risk inherent in any plant matter sourced directly from the ground. Soil borne fungal and other pathogens are easily transmitted and carried from sapling plot to nursery and ultimately into the plantation.

Our next step was seed germination, in which we soon became proficient after determining the exacting conditions required by Paulownia. We still supply seedlings when circumstances favour this method. According to leading Chinese researcher Prof. Zhu Zhaohua, "...production from seeds is an important method of Paulownia propagation. It has many advantages. The roots are better developed in seedlings than those propagated by root or stem cuttings. The plants grow stronger, faster and are hardly affected by heartwood-rot." We don’t doubt the Professor but it is important to know that seed propagation will result in more variability. Each seed is genetically individual, so plants grown from seed are not as uniform as those grown from cuttings or other vegetative methods (which produce clones). Tissue culture is another method to produce clones but it has limited value for large scale Paulownia forestry as it is an expensive method of propagation and results in weak laboratory grown plants in-vitro that take a long time to greenhouse grow and harden in the nursery before they are strong enough to survive planting in the real world.

At TGG we have developed alternative technology for the propagation of Paulownia which is both efficient and provides solutions to the problems associated with roo t cuttings and the variability of seed propagation. Starting by developing and selecting only the best parent plants we then use our unique ex-vitro method to clone only those strongest, thus eliminating much of the variability. Specially managed soil-free grown starter plants are used to source clean parent material. Micro-cuttings from this juvenile tissue mimic actual seedling growth, ensuring a strong root system and avoiding the early decline often seen in trees propagated by root or stem cuttings. These greenhouse propagated plants are also much faster than any other method to reach a ready to plant stage, allowing us to react faster to the needs of our clients.

products

TGG supply Paulownia plants that are strong and ready to plant directly into the ground.

Headstarters™ are bare-root Paulownia trees with trimmed trunks. They can be easily transported and are ideal for farmers and foresters, including export customers in countries with strict quarantine requirements. PreStarters™ are hardened, green plantlets in biodegradable plug pots and are supplied in large quantities to commercial plantations. In addition we can develop custom solutions as alternatives to the main product types.

genetics

There are numerous species within the genus Paulownia, most of which are not utilized in timber plantations simply because they are un-tested or under-developed. TGG has on-going research and development to improve the range and quality of Paulownia genetics available to plantation growers.

Paulownia have a very wide natural distribution ranging from latitude 22° to 40° in China (tropical to cool temperate) with P. fortunei also extending into Vietnam and Laos. Paulownia tomentosa also grows in Korea and Japan. P. kawakamii and P. fortunei are indigenous to both China and Taiwan where they formed the natural hybrid P. taiwaniana. Most Paulownia plantations in Australia use P. fortunei, particularly strains originating from Guangdong province. TGG’s biggest sellers are two such varieties; the FGD09 derived originally from high grade seed sourced directly from China then further propagated from select plants in our nursery, and the CAF15+ which originated from work done by the Chinese Academy of Forestry, with the ‘+’ symbolising further selection undertaken at TGG. Fortunei is favoured for its ability to produce a straight trunk more readily than some other species and its adaptability to Australian climatic conditions. However, it should be noted that there is a vast range of variation within most species of Paulownia, depending firstly on provenance and secondly, for those changed through cultivation, the level of genetic alteration; so it is too simplistic to generalise on the characteristics of particular varieties based on species alone. There are many hundreds of cultivars and natural local variants within the different Paulownia species, many of which do not display certain reputed weaknesses of their more archetypical relatives.

TGG has collected a large range of Paulownia genetics from both within Australia and internationally. Along with self harvested and imported seed germination and lineal selection we also actively generate new hybrids within our nursery. We have achieved obvious heterosis through the crossing of certain strains of Paulownia species. To result in a commercial quantity of a new select hybrid clone is a long process, beginning with cross pollination, seed collection and germination, followed by numerous generations of selection trials ultimately resulting in a single superior tree from which we begin mass propagation leading to the release of a new variety for sale.

The combination of the best method of propagation, suitable product type and top genetics makes TGG Paulownia the obvious choice for premium plantations.

Mission

To work closely with others to build the foundation of ecologically and economically sustainable tree based industries.

Vision

Creation of employment and improved living standards through well managed tree plantings which correctly match type to region & site, create local continuity of supply to enable value adding and fill domestic and export market demand.

Based on the Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne, Australia, TGG is a family business specialising in the propagation and supply of Paulownia plants. With over 20 years experience in Paulownia genetic improvement, propagation and supply worldwide and through our own field trial growing, overseeing, and learning from plantation customers, we are well placed to offer both a premium planting product and the knowledge needed to grow it. 

Q. What are your trading hours? Are you open 9 to 5?

A. Toad Gully Growers is a wholesale propagation nursery and is not open to the public. However you may make an appointment to visit if you are working on a Paulownia project and would like to discuss it face to face or to inspect our facilities.

Q. Can you supply TALLER seedlings for my plantation?

A. Something of concern about what some other companies are offering is they state their Paulownia plants are "1 to 3 feet tall"! Paulownia grow very fast. If you plant young trees that are already over 30cm tall they will suffer wilting badly in hot conditions and are likely to be broken by wind. They will suffer transplant shock and many will die. It would be easier for us sell tall seedlings. The skill in growing good Paulownia planting stock is to keep it short and strong, not tall and soft. Taller is NOT better.

Q. How tall do Paulownia trees grow?

A. We use vague terms such as “medium height” to describe Paulownia because the variation can be great depending on the conditions. There is record of an 80 year old Paulownia reaching about 50m tall and over 2m trunk diameter. More commonly they will settle for around 20m. Under plantation conditions they will be anywhere between 8 to 15m when harvested for timber. Many park or garden specimens struggle to grow more than 10m. Biggest Paulownia in Lankao China

Q. Do you sell single trees?

A. No. Paulownia are best suited to large rural properties or parkland. We don’t generally recommend planting in suburban gardens unless you have a large area to fill. The mixed Sampler Pack (A) is 3 trees. If you only need 1 you can share with friends or plant the spares in large tubs. Or if you plant all 3 close together you can limit their size and shape them with pruning. 11 year old Paulownia fortunei in Bendigo

Q. How well do Paulownia grow in less than ideal conditions?

A. Paulownia are the Formula 1 of trees. If everything is properly attuned to provide them their best potential for growth they will be faster than any other tree. However they are exacting in their requirements. Having said that, there is a lot that can be done to improve conditions, such as cultivation to increase drainage, adding fertiliser and irrigation, which will make a huge difference to the outcome. If you are looking for a tree to throw in the ground and walk away from they are not the right choice. There are easier trees to grow but these will not match Paulownias’ growth under conditions suited to Paulownia. Just as for any crop, suitable land and climate should be selected.

Q. Are Paulownia easy to grow?

A. This is a matter of perspective. To those of us familiar with Paulownia they are not difficult to grow. However, if you are new to the tree and have less than ideal conditions you are likely to face some challenges. Take advantage of the wealth of free information TGG provide to allow you to learn from the research and development, avoid the mistakes of others and get it right first time.

Q. What makes TGG the best choice for Paulownia planting stock?

A. Over 20 years experience, a wide range of genetics and strong plants. Beware of exaggerated claims about “superior” tissue cultured Paulownia. Tissue culture is just another propagation method. TGG have used it from time to time for breeding stock, but our unique ex-vitro clonal propagation is more efficient in producing trees for plantations. Unlike laboratory stock, TGG plants are soon ready for growing in the real world. tissue culture Paulownia ex-vitro clonal propagation Paulownia at TGG

Q. Are your plants grown from root cuttings? / Do you sell root cuttings?

A. TGG don’t supply root cuttings for planting stock. Root cuttings are not plants. They are just pieces of root with potential to grow into trees if all conditions are right. Root cuttings from trees dug from the ground can carry soil borne diseases. TGG may supply container grown root cuttings to nurseries wishing to grow them on in pots. This is a low cost option for those needing very large numbers. Headstarters™ are not root cuttings - they are trees with a trunk and root system, ready to grow.

root cuttings Headstarters™