To the chagrin of many gardeners, horsetail propagation works so well that the plant overgrows beds, lawns and even paths within a short time. If horsetail is to be propagated in order to gain new plants, no gardening skill is required.

Horsetail reproduces itself via spores and rhizomes

This is how horsetail multiplies

Horsetail reproduces in two ways, via spores and via underground rhizomes.

Like all plants belonging to the fern family, horsetail does not form a flower in which seeds ripen after fertilization. Horsetail reproduces through spores that mature in spike sprouts. They are propagated by the wind, so new plants settle anywhere nearby.

Propagation via rhizomes takes place through runners, which the horsetail expels up to two meters below the surface of the earth. Combating horsetail is very difficult because the runners cannot simply be dug up. New plants are also formed from small residues that were overlooked when they were removed.

Propagation of horsetail for pond or tub planting

If you want to propagate offshoots from existing horsetails, all you really have to do is wait. After a short time, new plants will form nearby, which you simply have to dig up.

Of course, you can also propagate horsetail by dividing the rhizomes. To do this, get the plant out of the ground and cut off a piece of the root. This is simply planted again at the desired location.

Grow horsetail in the pot, propagate the plant when repotting. You have to divide horsetail more often anyway, because otherwise it will be too big and sprawling.

Curb the proliferation of horsetail

Combating horsetail is much more difficult than propagation. So that the plant does not spread uncontrollably in the garden, you should carry out the following measures as soon as possible:

  • Only plant horsetail with a root barrier
  • Put pond horsetail in the pond basket
  • Always cut off the spore ears in the spring
  • Pluck out green shoots immediately
  • Pull flat rhizomes out of the ground.

tips

Due to its rapid reproduction, horsetail is referred to as a super weed. The herb cannot even be permanently removed from the garden by chemical means. You should therefore be careful when planting horsetail species in the garden.

Category:

Vegetable garden