The propagation of a blue spruce is only successful if a series of complex factors interact harmoniously. In order for a seedling to turn into a magnificent spruce, the age of the mother plant is just as important as the time of cutting, the composition of the substrate and the growing conditions. Explore all relevant details here.

The seedlings are cut before they sprout

Such is the nature of the ideal mother tree

In years of investigations, the Federal Research Center for Forests in Vienna found that the age of the mother tree has a significant influence on the successful course of vegetative propagation with seedlings. Based on these findings, choose a blue spruce between the ages of 10 and 25.

Cut seedlings at the right time - this is how it works

The timing of the cut plays an important role in ensuring that the rooting of a seedling progresses quickly. That is how it goes:

  • Cut the cuttings at the end of February/beginning of March (4-6 weeks before they sprout).
  • Choose a frost-free day with overcast weather as the date
  • Cut off the shoot tips of the third or fourth branch whorl

Twig tips from the shaded crown area and terminal shoots are not suitable for cuttings.

The success rate of 80 percent is no pipe dream

If the mother tree and cuttings meet the requirements, the composition of the growth substrate makes a further contribution to successful propagation. The experts at the Austrian Federal Research Center advocate a mix of perlite (€37.51) and styrofoam balls or gravel sand with a grain size of 4-8 mm. This is how the cultivation succeeds:

  • Dip a seedling in rooting powder
  • Plant 2-3 cm deep in a pot with the recommended substrate
  • Water regularly in the greenhouse or polytunnel (€11.46) and spray with lime-free water
  • Alternatively, put a transparent hood over each culture vessel

In the warm, humid microclimate, growth progresses rapidly. Under ideal conditions, the seedlings will have rooted their pot well by July/August, so that they can be planted outdoors. It is only from this point in time that a regular supply of nutrients at a low level begins.

tips

As a Christmas tree, the blue spruce tops the noble Nordmann fir primarily in terms of the lower purchase price. The same applies if you are planning a Picea pungens as an evergreen privacy hedge. Thanks to the uncomplicated propagation with seedlings, coupled with a rapid growth of 30 to 40 cm per year, the spruce trumps the sluggish Abies nordmanniana in this respect as well.

Category:

Trees