Betula pendula, as the silver birch is botanically correctly called, is not only to be found in large numbers in forests, fields and meadows in this country, but also in many gardens. The native deciduous tree with the characteristic white bark is satisfied with almost any surface - as long as it is bright enough there. In addition, the silver birch grows very quickly and can be easily propagated from its seeds.
Silver birches can be grown from the seeds in the fruit
Silver birch propagates very quickly from seed
The silver birch is a real pioneering spirit, because it prefers to colonize fallow land in no time at all. It must be fast and able to assert itself effectively against other plants. The silver birch has developed a sophisticated strategy for this, because it prefers to propagate via its seeds, which are very widespread due to the wind. These are contained in small, inconspicuous wing nuts - the fruits of the silver birch - and ripen between July and September. The seeds germinate just three weeks after sowing. The seedlings reach considerable sizes within a very short time - as I said, birch trees have to be fast in order to establish themselves in nature.
Sow the seeds of the silver birch
If you want to cultivate a silver birch in your garden, you don't necessarily have to buy such a tree from a tree nursery. You can instead dig up a seedling that has already developed and plant it again in its new location - it will usually do very well there and grow quickly. But you can also spread seeds you have collected or bought yourself and thus cultivate your own tree right from the start. Such an approach is particularly recommended for bonsai lovers, who can train the tree accordingly. Proceed as follows when sowing:
- Plant the seeds in trays or pots with potting soil.
- These should be covered with soil about one to two centimeters.
- Place the pot in a bright spot
- and keep the substrate slightly moist.
The seeds will germinate in about two to four weeks. You can transfer the young seedlings to a more nutrient-rich substrate as soon as they have reached a height of about 15 to 20 centimetres.
tips
One to two-year-old shoots that are cut in early summer are suitable for propagating cuttings. Make sure to always seal interfaces on the mother plant well.