The propagation of the plane tree is not a great art, although it is usually new territory for a hobby gardener. The first priority is always to obtain information about the steps to be taken. We would like to deliver these to you.
How to propagate a plane tree?
Plane trees can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. With seed propagation, mature seeds are sown in spring, while with the cutting method, shoots taken in autumn are planted in spring. Both methods require special care and conditions for successful growth.
The choice between two options
When propagating the plane tree, you are faced with the decision of which method to use. The following are available:
- Propagation from seeds
- Propagation with cuttings
Propagation with cuttings is possible for all plane tree species. Seed propagation is not successful with the popular maple-leaved plane tree because, as a hybrid, it does not produce germinable seeds. However, it is occasionally observed that some can germinate here too.
Seed collection
You will have trouble getting seeds in stores. But nature is full of this magnificent tree variety and obtaining seeds is therefore not a problem. In spring, the plane tree blooms, from which ripe fruits develop until around October.
Plane tree seeds are cold germinators and must experience a cold period before germination. This step is called stratification.
- leave picked seeds outside
- in an open container
- alternatively store in the refrigerator until sowing
Sowing in spring
Prepare for sowing at the end of February by getting tall pots (€72.00 on Amazon) and lean soil for the deep-rooted plants. Lime-free water is also required for watering.
- Cover seeds with just a little soil
- Place pots in a bright and sunny place
- Keep soil moist
- separate from a height of around 6 cm
- select the strongest plants in late spring
- plant in the countryside
Propagation with cuttings
You can get cuttings in autumn, even before the first frost arrives. However, it is not planted until spring. The following procedure is recommended.
- Cuttings with two-year-old branches are ideal
- select one of this year's shoots
- tear off the supporting branch after the leaves have been lost; a ring of branches should remain at the base
- Cut off the bark tongue and shorten the cuttings to 20 to 30 cm
- store frost-free over the winter in moist, sandy-humus soil
- loose up the soil in the garden bed in March
- Put the cuttings in deep, only about 5 cm should stick out
- Keep soil moist
Tip
Use several cuttings for propagation, even if you only want one plane tree. This increases your chances of success, as rooting is not guaranteed for every cutting.
