If you want to get a new bush of chasteberry cheaply, you should propagate it yourself. Of course, this requires time and patience, because the new growth starts small and still has to develop to full size. These are the first steps.
How to propagate chasteberry?
Chasteberry can be propagated by sowing seeds or cuttings. When sowing, seeds should be sown in autumn or spring and kept well moist. Cuttings are cut in summer and either rooted in a glass of water or planted directly in soil.
Seeds as a source of new life
With good care, every monk's pepper will be productive when it produces its countless flowers in summer. There are hardly any exceptions! In autumn, small, brown-black seeds form in the flowers. When dried, they are reminiscent of peppercorns.
Would you like to grow more chasteberry? Then collect the seeds from October and dry them well, as it can still be months before they are sown. After drying, the seeds must be stored in a dark place.
Tip
Chasteberry seeds have healing effects on people and animals and can therefore often be found in stores. Natural, unprocessed seeds are also suitable for sowing.
This is how sowing at home works
It is often said that the seeds of this shrub do not germinate well. Don't let this put you off, because there are plenty of reports that say the opposite. You can also increase the chance of getting new monk's pepper if you take the following points into account:
- sow in autumn or spring
- sow plenty of seeds as a “reserve”
- Pre-soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours
- spread on moist potting soil
- cover with a thin layer of soil
- press lightly
- Keep the pot warm and bright
- keep evenly moist until germination
Seed germination takes about 2 to 4 weeks. Once the seedlings have formed a few leaves, they are separated.
Cuttings from large bushes
Do you have access to an adult chasteberry plant? Then this propagation method is also suitable for you. Unless you want a different flowering variety of monk's pepper. Although the shrub is hardy, its above-ground shoots often freeze. Wait for new growth to appear. Summer is the best time for propagation with cuttings anyway.
- cut half-ripe or green cuttings
- root in a glass of water or immediately put in soil
- warm and bright, but out of the sun
- Keep soil moist
- if applicable. Put the plastic bag over it
Don't plant the young plant in the garden until it has developed vigorously. It should get a sunny location there.
