As a rule, the laurel cherry is less expensive to buy. For example, if you want to create an elongated hedge with it, it is good if you use one or more mother plants to propagate further specimens. But how does that work?
Propagation via seeds
Some laurel cherry varieties like to propagate by self-sowing. If you want to take the propagation of the poisonous seeds into your own hands, you will need patience…
For visible success when sowing, take the following instructions seriously:
- Use seeds from ripe fruit
- Cold germs: e.g. B. Sow in the stairwell or on the balcony
- ideal time: autumn
- Keep a distance of 10 cm between several seeds
- Keep substrate moist
- It can take until spring before the first cotyledons become visible
Propagation via cuttings
Furthermore, the laurel cherry can be propagated by cuttings. Half-ripe cuttings are grown in late summer or autumn. These are often the clippings. Take cut shoots that are about 10 cm long.
Step by step:
- remove bottom leaves
- half the shoot in soil (a mixture of sand and soil is ideal) or a glass of water
- with the glass method: change the water regularly to prevent rot
- after 4 to 6 weeks the first roots appear
- Plant out in spring
Propagation via sinkers
A third proven method is propagation via sinkers. To do this, use the branch that is close to the ground. Use a knife to cut halfway through the area where roots will grow later. Dig the shoot into the ground with the tip sticking out and weigh it down with a stone or a peg.
After about 8 weeks, the sinker can be separated from the mother plant. The young plant should be planted in a pot. Nutrient-rich soil is recommended from the start to give it a good start in life. The plant comes outdoors after it has developed a strong new shoot and several new leaves.
tips and tricks
In order for the laurel cherry cutting to root quickly, it is advisable to cut off the leaves in half and the top tip of the shoot.