A bee tree easily forms a thousand blossoms. And that year after year. That is why it is popularly known as a thousand-flower shrub. He is therefore welcome to occupy free spaces in the garden. But how do you get more specimens from a tree?

The bee tree is popular with bees and humans alike

Seed or cuttings propagation?

Plants are usually propagated from seeds or cuttings. Does that also apply to the velvety stinky tree? When cutting, there is at least enough cuttings material. Compared to sowing, it promises a significant growth advantage. But the propagation of cuttings is not recommended for these reasons:

  • the cuttings are heavily woody
  • also have large leaves

This does not make this type of propagation easy for hobby gardeners. Professional aids are useful, but their expensive purchase is not worthwhile. Therefore, sowing mature seeds is the best method for the home garden.

Suitable seed

Stink Ash seeds are very easy to obtain. Either you already have a seed-bearing specimen in the garden from which you can harvest seeds in the fall. Or another bee tree owner can give you some seeds.

Seeds are also sold in specialist shops. The easiest way is to order them online. For 1-2 euros plus shipping, you can get more than 20 seeds conveniently delivered to your home.

tips

Store the seeds of the stink ash in a cool, dark and dry place until sowing.

Best time for sowing

The seeds are germinated in pots. These also find enough space indoors. In principle, sowing is possible all year round, provided the rooms are warm enough.

Sowing step by step

  1. Fill one or more small pots with potting soil.
  2. Plant one seed per pot about 1.5 cm deep in the soil.
  3. Dampen the soil with a spray bottle.
  4. Place the pot in a bright place with temperatures between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius. You can cover each pot with plastic wrap to keep the soil moist and warm. However, it has to be aired every few days so that it doesn't get moldy underneath.
  5. After about 10-12 weeks the seed will germinate. You can now completely remove the foil cover.
  6. If necessary, transplant the seedlings into larger pots.

Notice:
The little trees can spend the summer outdoors in a sheltered spot, where they only slowly get used to the sun.

plant out

You do not have to plant the bee tree in the garden immediately in spring. He may spend his first winters in a winter quarters. Only plant out the sapling when it has grown larger and more resilient. This increases its chances of survival outdoors.

Category:

Trees