Breeding blackthorn is unproblematic and can be achieved even by gardening novices. Propagation is often even easier than controlling the root runners of a blackthorn planted without a root barrier.
How can sloes be propagated?
The blackthorn can be easily propagated by sowing, cuttings, cutting or cutting off the root runners. One mother plant is enough to grow many sloes, ideal for creating a dense hedge.
One bush is enough to grow a row of sloes
If you need a lot of sloes because you are planning to plant an almost impenetrable hedge, you can grow many small sloes yourself from one mother plant in a very short time. However, keep in mind that the blackthorn only grows 20 centimeters per year and it will take some time until the property boundary reaches the desired density and height.
You can get the blackthorn through:
- Sowing
- Cuttings
- Lowers
- Separating the root runners
multiply yourself easily.
Breeding from seeds
Although germination requires some patience, blackthorn can be reliably propagated from the fruits. In autumn, collect some ripe sloe fruits and remove all of the pulp from them. Store the relatively large stones in the refrigerator during the winter and sow them in early spring. Alternatively, you can overwinter the seeds buried in soil or sand outdoors.
Propagation by cuttings
Cut sections of the annual canes, which should be about eight inches long, between November and February. The end of the cuttings must show a bud so that a new plant can reliably develop from the cuttings. Store the seedlings in a cool, frost-free room during the winter months. In spring, the cuttings are inserted vertically into the soil at the desired location and watered regularly. This method is suitable for creating an entire blackthorn hedge as well as for growing a blackthorn bonsai, which you can shape into an attractive miniature blackthorn after sprouting.
Propagation by reducers
Bend one of the outer branches of the mother plant down to the ground and weigh it down with a sufficiently large stone. Once enough roots have formed on the sinker after a few weeks, you can dig it up and move it.
Propagation by root suckers
Like the vinegar tree, the blackthorn also forms underground runners from which new young plants subsequently form. Separate these and transplant the small blackthorn to the desired location.
Tips & Tricks
The roots of the blackthorn can grow up to ten meters long. A concrete root barrier approximately 50 centimeters deep is therefore strongly recommended in the home garden.
