Field horsetail is very popular as a medicinal plant with many possible uses. The plant is also very easy to care for and reproduces quickly. However, reproduction by seeds or spores can quickly lead to undesirable spread of field horsetail.
How do I propagate field horsetail with seeds?
Field horsetail does not bear seeds, but rather small spores that form in spike-shaped tips on light brown stems. For propagation, mature spores can be scattered onto growing soil, but this process is complicated and can lead to undesirable spread.
How do I recognize the seeds of field horsetail?
Field horsetail does not bear seeds, butvery small spores The medicinal plant, also known as horsetail, belongs to the fern family. The plant does not flower, but forms light brown stems with spike-shaped tips in spring. The spores grow in these ear shoots. After maturation, the adhesion between the plant and the spore loosens, allowing the wind to spread it. The shoot then dies and the plant's familiar summer shoot appears.
How does field horsetail propagate from seeds?
For propagation, the spores from the ripe seed heads can be sprinkled specifically onto growing soil. However, cultivation from spores is complicated. Plants that resemble small moss initially grow from the sprouts. With enough water, these grow and fertilize. The field horsetail only grows after this intermediate stage has been fertilized.
How do I avoid the unwanted spread of spores?
If you want to combat field horsetail in your garden, thespreading of the spores must be urgently avoided. It is best to pull all spore shoots out of the soil immediately after they appear. If the shoots are already larger, it is best to cut them off close to the ground. In April and May, pay attention to the light brown shoots that have the characteristic spike at the top. Visually, the spore shoots are more similar to brown asparagus.
Tip
Sow field horsetail only in pots
Field horsetail is considered a particularly stubborn weed. It quickly overgrows the entire garden and is difficult to get rid of. Spores for reproduction are therefore hardly available commercially. If you want to grow the plant in a pot, you should look for mature spore shoots in typical locations for field horsetail in early spring.
