A bee tree easily produces a thousand flowers. And that year after year. That's why it's also popularly called the thousand-flower bush. He is therefore welcome to occupy free spaces in the garden. But how do you get more specimens from a tree?
How to propagate a bee tree?
To propagate a bee tree, collect ripe seeds in autumn and sow them in pots with potting soil. Germination occurs at temperatures between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius within 10-12 weeks. After successful germination, the seedlings can be repotted and later planted outdoors.
Seed or cutting propagation?
Plants are usually propagated from seeds or cuttings. Does this also apply to the velvet-haired stink ash? At least enough cutting material is produced when cutting. Compared to sowing, it promises a significant growth advantage. But propagation from cuttings is not recommended for these reasons:
- the cuttings are heavily woody
- also have large leaves
That doesn't make this type of propagation easy for hobby gardeners. Professional tools are useful, but they are not worth the expensive purchase. Therefore, sowing mature seeds is the best method for home gardens.
Suitable seeds
Stink ash seeds are very readily available. Either you already have a seed-bearing specimen in the garden from which you can harvest seeds in autumn. Or another bee tree owner can give you some seeds.
Seeds are also available in specialist shops. The easiest way is to order them online (€3.00 on Amazon). For 1-2 euros plus shipping you can receive more than 20 seeds conveniently delivered to your home.
Tip
Store the stink ash seeds in a cool, dark and dry place until sowing.
Best time for sowing
The seeds are germinated in pots. These also find enough space indoors. In principle, sowing is possible all year round, provided the rooms are warm enough.
Sowing step by step
- Fill one or more small pots with potting soil.
- Insert one seed per pot about 1.5 cm deep into the soil.
- Wet the soil with a spray bottle.
- Place the pot in a bright place with temperatures between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius. You can cover each pot with plastic wrap to keep the soil moist and warm. However, it needs to be ventilated every few days so that it doesn't get moldy underneath.
- The seed will germinate after about 10-12 weeks. You can now completely remove the foil cover.
- Transplant the seedlings into larger pots if necessary.
Note:The little trees can spend the summer outdoors in a protected location, whereby they only slowly get used to the sun.
Planting out
You don't have to plant the bee tree in the garden immediately in spring. He is allowed to spend his first winters in winter quarters. Only plant the tree when it has become larger and more resilient. This increases his chances of survival outdoors.
