Evergreen myrtle makes a charming container plant. Not only does it cover the richly branched shoots with filigree leaves, in summer it also adorns itself with blossoms and then with edible little fruits. Many attributes that arouse the desire for propagation. This is how she succeeds.
Myrtle can be propagated by seeds, among other things
Propagation is possible with these three methods!
Myrtle is relatively easy to propagate in a private garden. If one specimen has already moved in, a number of new plants can be propagated from it. As is almost always the case in the plant kingdom, there are several ways to get there:
- sowing seeds
- rooting of cuttings
- moss
Before you dare to propagate, you should know whether you can offer another myrtle a good life. If the location is not ideal, it loses leaves.
sow seeds
This plant has been popularly called bridal myrtle for ages because its branches were often used as bridal ornaments. This custom is still practiced today. It is therefore good to have myrtle at home. You can buy seeds from well-stocked seed shops or harvest them from a wild plant. Here are the key dates that promote sure success, whereby germination can last up to 8 weeks:
- Freshly harvested seeds are the most germinable
- so don't wait too long before sowing
- first remove the pulp (when harvesting yourself)
- Dry seeds for 2-3 days
- Soak seeds in warm water for 48 hours
- Scatter onto a damp substrate and press down lightly
- cover with transparent foil (ventilate every few days)
- Keep the growing pot bright and warm
- 20 to 25 °C is ideal
Notice:
A myrtle growing at home without the company of its own kind can also yield seeds. However, self-pollination means that plants grown from these seeds falter. They are more susceptible to disease and have a shorter lifespan.
Young myrtle from cuttings
This type of propagation leads to success more quickly, because cuttings bring a growth advantage. The cultivated myrtle in particular can produce new offspring more easily in this way than the wild species. Cuttings can be cut all year round, but must be rooted indoors in the cold months.
- cut or tear off a semi-lignified shoot
- he should be about 10 to 20 inches long
- The cut surface must be cut at an angle
- put in the water immediately after cutting
- Remove leaves that are in the water
- Shorten the tip
tips
How quickly a cutting takes root depends on two factors: its freshness and the ambient temperature. The fresher it is and the warmer it stands for rooting, the faster it will root. Be patient in winter, it can take up to three months.
moss
A third possibility to multiply the myrtle is mossing. A branch is first rooted and only then cut off from the mother plant. In order for roots to form, a piece of the bark is removed and the “bare” spot is wrapped with moist moss. Since this method is comparatively complex and time-consuming, there is little to be said for its use.