Although it thorns and its growth is slow, it convinces with its evergreen needles, its easy care and good pruning tolerance. There are many reasons to multiply it, the creeping juniper…

Creeping juniper can be propagated by cuttings, for example

cuttings for propagation

The easiest way is to propagate your creeping juniper using cuttings. This propagation method is the most promising. The ideal time to take the cuttings is between August and the end of September or between April and May.

How it works step by step:

  • select young but already lignified shoots
  • cut or tear off
  • Shoot length: 10 to 20 cm
  • Free the cuttings from the needles in the lower third
  • Cut off the tips of the cuttings
  • Score the bottom with a knife
  • put in a pot with sandy soil
  • Place the cuttings in a warm, bright place at 20 °C
  • plant out after 1 to 3 years

Sowing: tedious, complicated, not for beginners

Are you looking for a challenge? Then you are right with the sowing of the creeping juniper. You can win the seeds yourself or buy them. Usually this plant blooms between April and May. But it takes a while for the seeds in the fruit to ripen. You have to be patient for up to 2 years! The seeds are ripe when the berries are black.

Here we go:

  • Seeds need stratification
  • first harvest the berries (between August and October)
  • Drying and storing berries in a warm place (for about 3 months)
  • Crush the berries, pick out the seeds
  • Scald seeds with 60 °C hot water (thick, hard seed coat)
  • then: Place in the fridge for 3 months
  • sow in spring
  • keep moist
  • Germination temperature: 15 to 20 °C
  • Caution: low germination rate

The last option: offshoots

Probably the fastest and most effective method are offshoots, which the creeping juniper likes to form. They can also be used for later bonsai design. You should separate the offshoots from the mother plant as soon as they are rooted. They are planted and watered well.

tips

The young creeping juniper plants should be planted in a sunny to partially shaded place. The ideal planting time is April. The soil can contain lime and must be permeable and not too heavy.

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