You can grow as many offshoots as you like from a well-grown forsythia. Whether you want to create entire hedges, grow a standard tree or work as a bonsai gardener - many ideas can be realized with forsythia cuttings.
How do I propagate forsythia cuttings?
Forsythia cuttings can be propagated by cuttings or planters. Cut off shoots, remove lower leaves and plant in June or July. Alternatively, place grown shoots in a groove and cut off when offshoots have developed.
Propagate forsythia through cuttings or planters
Forsythia is propagated by cuttings or planters. Sowing is only an option in exceptional cases, as the dry flowers of the hybrid forsythia almost never develop seeds. When growing cuttings from seeds, you don't know what characteristics the new plant will have.
Propagation through cuttings and planters is almost always successful. Cuttings can be placed immediately in the desired location, while cuttings must be transplanted the following spring.
Rooting works completely smoothly with both forms, so that the plant often produces a few flowers in the first spring.
Cut forsythia cuttings
- Separate the half-woody piece from the shoot
- Length 10 to 15 centimeters
- Remove flowers, buds and lower leaves
- Plant the cutting in place
- Alternatively grow in a pot
It is best to cut the cuttings for offshoots in June or July. Then the shoots are well in the juice and root very quickly.
Caring for cuttings in the pot is much more time-consuming than if you immediately plant the cuttings in the desired location. Only if you want to grow a standard tree or bonsai do you have to grow the offshoots in the pot.
Winning offshoots by lowering them
You need some space to lower the forsythia branches. You need to make a groove in the ground next to the plant.
The shoot, which has been scratched several times, is inserted into this and secured with soil. Small offshoots develop at the interfaces, which you can cut off and plant out next year.
Wear gloves when cutting forsythia
Forsythia are only slightly poisonous, but you should always wear gloves when cutting cuttings or lowering the shoots. This will prevent you from accidentally ingesting plant juices.
Tips & Tricks
To get cuttings of forsythia varieties, swap meets are a good option. There you will find many other hobby gardeners who are happy about their offshoots. This way you can enrich your garden with new varieties with lighter or darker flowers.
