When Should I Take Forsythia Cuttings?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Take forsythia cuttings

right when the plant is coming into leaf (June or July)

. Cut 4-6 inches of a new stem with clippers that have been sanitized with a one-part bleach to nine-parts water solution. Make sure to clean the clippers between every cutting to avoid the spread of diseases.

Will forsythia cuttings root in water?

Can I root forsythia in water?

Yes

, you can easily root forsythia in water at the end of the winter.

Can you grow forsythia from a cutting?

Use stem cuttings from

your shrub

to create more forsythia plants. … Place the cuttings in the dark plastic bag until you can transfer cuttings to the rooting medium, preferably within 24 hours. Keep wrapped cuttings cool, moist and out of the light until you can plant them.

How long does it take for forsythia cuttings to root?

The cutting should have roots after

about six to eight weeks

and you can transplant it to a larger pot. Transplant the cutting outdoors in spring or fall after hardening it off.

How do you root a forsythia plant?

Make your top cuts a quarter of an inch above a leaf node, so that each has a node near its top, as well.

Dip the base of each stem section into rooting hormone powder

. Plant the cuttings in a container of compost or sterile potting medium, about four to six inches apart. Keep the container indoors or in a greenhouse.

Can you put cuttings straight into soil?

Technically,

you can transfer your cuttings to soil at any time

. In fact, you can actually propagate directly into soil, however, it’s much harder to do within your home. When you propagate in soil, you have to keep a good balance of soil moisture, air flow, and humidity.

Are forsythia roots invasive?

Forsythia is a popular landscape plant in our area. … Carolyn Summers, who wrote their online guide and the book Designing Gardens With Flora of the American East, said: “

Forsythia is considered invasive as it is stoloniferous and extremely difficult to remove

(as I can personally attest).

How long does it take for a forsythia bush to grow?

Growth Rate

This shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of

more than 24′′ per year

.

Does forsythia need sun or shade?

Forsythias are fast growing shrubs. Many cultivars (varieties) have spreading, arching growth habits and can reach a height of 8 to 10 feet. Forsythias grow and

bloom best in full sun

. They will grow in partial shade, but won’t bloom as heavily.

How long does it take cuttings to root?

Be sure to add fresh water as needed until the cuttings are fully rooted. Rooting will generally occur

in 3-4 weeks

but some plants will take longer. When the roots are 1-2 inches long or longer the cutting is ready to be potted up.

How do you multiply forsythia?

With delicate yellow flowers that welcome early spring, forsythias grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. You can easily propagate or multiply them by

rooting softwood, semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings

.

How do I make my own rooting hormone?

A small amount of

apple cider vinegar

is all you need to create this organic rooting hormone, and too much may prevent rooting. (Vinegar for garden use actually includes using apple cider vinegar to kill weeds.) A teaspoon of vinegar in 5 to 6 cups (1.2-1.4 L.) of water is enough.

How does forsythia spread?

Forsythia, when left alone, can easily reach a height of 10 feet, with a similar spread. It can

spread even farther if its lowest branches touch the ground

; they can root there and become new shrubs in their own right, until you have quite a thicket on your hands.

Can forsythia grow in pots?

It is also possible to grow forsythia in a pot on

a terrace or balcony

, but prepare to repot every 2 or 3 years. When planting in pots, select shrub or flowered plant soil mix.

What can I plant in front of forsythia?


Tulips (Tulipa spp.)

are a classic bulb and look striking when planted in rows in front of forsythias. There are obviously a lot of species of tulips, but ones that flower pink, red and violet will complement your forsythias the best. Another bulb to consider is ornamental onion (Allium giganteum).

Do deer eat forsythia plants?

Some shrubs that are generally deer resistant include bush cinquefoil, barberries (considered invasive, and so not planted, in many areas), blue mist shrub, forsythia, junipers, lilacs, evergreen hollies, many spireas, and many viburnum.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.