While nurseries prefer to propagate through cuttings, the weeping willow propagates in the wild via seeds. It takes a long process for the tiny seedling to grow into a mighty tree. Germination only occurs under suitable conditions, which is why the weeping willow has developed special strategies to ensure its continued existence. In this article, embark on an exciting journey that the weeping willow seed takes and find out a lot that you probably didn't know.
How do you grow a weeping willow from seed?
To grow a weeping willow from seeds, collect fresh seeds from a local weeping willow, loosen the soil, plant several seeds in the soil and always keep the substrate moist. Germination can occur after just 24 hours.
Reproduction
Weeping willows are mostly pollinated by insects. In a comparatively short time they form fruits containing the seeds. When released, it is carried away by the wind. Due to its tiny shape and good flight properties, the weeping willow seed often travels long distances.
Special features of seeds
- the smallest seed of all deciduous plants
- small capsule fruit
- only viable for a short time (only about two weeks)
- silky hairy
- multiple seeds within one fruit
Growing weeping willow from seeds
The easiest way is to grow a weeping willow from cuttings. When growing from seeds, the chances of success are much lower, but that shouldn't stop you from trying.
Procuring seeds
Although weeping willow seeds are also available on the Internet, they are often not suitable for propagation. It is therefore best to collect your germination material yourself.
Tip
When searching, give preference to places where the weeping willow population is particularly high. As a rule, the seeds from these places are more capable of germinating. You should also collect as many seeds as possible, as they are not very capable of germinating. The larger the quantity, the higher the probability that there are usable seeds among them.
Instructions
- Loose the soil at the desired location and remove any roots.
- Place several seeds in the soil.
- Plant the seeds immediately after collecting them, as they lose their ability to germinate after a short time.
- Germination is possible after just 24 hours.
- Always water the planting site well. The substrate should never dry out.
