You just can't have enough of some plants: the Japanese azalea - a slightly smaller relative of the rhododendron - is one of them. This flowering shrub, perfect for the shady garden, is very easy to multiply in early summer using cuttings or layering. If you are lucky, you can harvest seed pods in autumn and use the seeds inside for sowing.

The Japanese azalea is easy to propagate from cuttings

Propagating Japanese Azalea by cuttings

Cuttings of the Japanese azalea are also cut in early summer, i. H. ideally between the end of May and the end of June. Do not use any soft, green shoots for this: These are still too immature to root themselves and would simply rot. Instead, cut half-ripe branches about 15 to 20 centimeters long, which should not bear any flowers. Furthermore, proceed as described:

  • Remove all but the top pair of leaves.
  • Keep the cut (this is where the roots should develop) as diagonal as possible.
  • This makes it easier for the cuttings to absorb water.
  • You can root the cutting in a glass of water (choose a dark container!).
  • or put it straight into potting soil.
  • Keep the substrate slightly moist.
  • Use low-lime rainwater for watering.
  • Place a cut-off PET bottle over the little plant.
  • This takes on the function of a mini greenhouse.
  • Place the pot with the cuttings in a warm and bright place.

Propagation by sinkers

The method of multiplying the Japanese azalea using sinkers is also promising. For this method, however, you need a little patience, it is a bit more tedious than the cuttings method. In contrast to this, the shoots to be rooted are not separated from the mother plant. And this is how you proceed:

  • Find some flexible shoots that are half ripe if possible.
  • Either dig a small hollow directly in the ground under the mother plant
  • or bury a plant pot filled with soil.
  • Now gently bend the branch down
  • and cut its bark lengthwise.
  • Dig this spot in the prepared hollow
  • and weigh down the branch with a stone or something similar.
  • Keep the spot slightly damp.

As soon as the rooting has taken place, you can separate the sinker from the mother plant.

tips

If you don't remove the inflorescences, with a bit of luck the azalea will develop seed pods. You can use the seeds inside for sowing. Sow immediately or keep cool and dry for early spring application. Azaleas need light to germinate, so don't cover the seeds with soil.

Category:

Vegetable garden