- The most favorable time for cutting the cuttings
- Prepare the cutting
- Prefer in the pot or put straight into the field?
- Not all cuttings root
If you want to grow a beech yourself, you can use the methods of sowing, mossing or cuttings. When propagating from cuttings, there are a few things to keep in mind. Beech cuttings generally do not root well, so not all cuttings will root.
Spring is the best time to take cuttings from beech trees
The most favorable time for cutting the cuttings
The best time for cutting cuttings is April and May or mid-July. At these times, beeches are just sprout, so that the shoots are full of sap.
Choose semi-lignified shoots. The mother plant should not be too old. The younger it is, the more successful the reproduction works.
Prepare the cutting
- Shorten cuttings
- cut diagonally
- capping lace
- Remove leaves below
- Treat cut with rooting powder
The cutting is shortened to 10 to 20 centimeters. Cut it slightly diagonally at the bottom and straight at the top.
Remove all leaves from the bottom third. Coat the bottom ends with rooting powder. If the cuttings are thicker, you should cover the upper end with artificial tree bark.
Put the cuttings in prepared pots or in the desired location in the garden.
Prefer in the pot or put straight into the field?
Beech cuttings can be grown in pots or outdoors. Both options have advantages and disadvantages.
Cuttings in the pot are protected from game browsing. However, the pots must be overwintered in a frost-free place, for example in the garage. If the cuttings are placed immediately in place, they should be protected from mice and birds.
Potted cuttings are planted the following spring.
Not all cuttings root
The propagation of a beech by cuttings does not always work. It is actually only worthwhile if there are no fertile beeches growing nearby from which you can harvest fruit.
For propagation from cuttings, you should cut at least three times as many shoots as you need. This increases the likelihood that at least some cuttings will root.
tips
Propagation is easier if you sow beeches. For this you need beechnuts, which you can collect in beech forests. Beechnuts are slightly poisonous and should therefore be kept out of the reach of children and animals.