Sea buckthorn is not necessarily one of those shrubs that are sold by nurseries, hardware stores, etc. at a bargain price. It is considered extremely easy to care for, site-tolerant and grateful. Aren't these enough reasons to consider propagating this plant?
How to propagate sea buckthorn?
Sea buckthorn can be propagated in various ways: by separating runners, covering young shoots with soil (sinker), rooting cuttings or sowing seeds. The simplest method, however, is to propagate through runners.
The easiest method: propagate sea buckthorn via runners
Sea buckthorn is usually propagated by cutting off its runners. Its roots form numerous offshoots. With them he is able to spread on his own initiative - not always to the delight of his owners. Nevertheless: Overall, this is the most proven and easiest method for propagating sea buckthorn.
Also easy: propagate using lowering tools
The young shoots of sea buckthorn can also be used to propagate it. To do this, the young shoots are covered flat with soil on the ground and kept moist. The following year they produced new shoots.
Propagation from cuttings
Whether semi-woody cuttings in summer or cuttings in autumn/winter - sea buckthorn can be propagated with its shoots. However, this procedure is not easy and does not work 100%. For this reason, it is advisable to plant several shoots for propagation.
When propagating cuttings, approximately 20 cm long branches are cut off from sea buckthorn. Before putting them in a glass of water or in soil, their lowest leaves should be removed. They root best in a shady, cool and wind-protected place. If you choose this method, choose he althy and strong branches.
For those who are patient: sowing
Patient and experimental gardeners can propagate sea buckthorn from its seeds. The disadvantage of this method: You don't know in advance whether a male or female specimen will result from the respective seed. Most sea buckthorn seeds develop into female plants.
Sowing is done as follows:
- 1. Harvest and dry the berries in September.
- 2. Stratify the seeds (expose them to a cold stimulus) for 3 months.
- 3. Sow the seeds in spring – preferably in a pot.
- 4. After a few days their cotyledons appear.
Tips & Tricks
Sea buckthorn usually reproduces itself through its runners after a few years. Therefore, no additional time needs to be sacrificed to devote to its propagation via sowing, planting or cuttings.
