The Golden Willow

Golden Weeping Willows are beautiful ornamental trees that can be propagated by cuttings. Cuttings are pieces of stem that are cut from the parent plant and used to start a new one. When it comes to propagating Golden Weeping Willows, it is best to take the cuttings from the current season’s growth. The best time to take cuttings is in late summer or early autumn when the stems are still soft and pliable. 

The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm in length and should be taken with a sharp, clean knife. When selecting the cutting, it is important to make sure that it is healthy, free from disease, and not damaged. The bottom of the cutting should be cut just below a node, which is a raised area on the stem where leaves or buds are located. 

When the cutting is taken, it should be placed in a shady spot and allowed to dry out slightly before being planted. The cutting should then be planted in a pot filled with a well-draining potting soil mix. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not soggy. After the cutting is planted, it should be kept in a warm, sunny location. 

Once the new plant is established, it can be transplanted into the ground in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Golden Weeping Willows should be watered deeply, once a week during summer and less frequently during winter. With the right care and attention, these cuttings should eventually establish themselves as a beautiful, mature Golden Weeping Willow.

Step-by-Step Guide

Materials needed:

• Pruning shears or scissors
• Potting soil or rooting hormone
• Clean container or pot
• Watering can or spray bottle
• Plastic bag or plastic wrap (optional)

Steps:

1. Choose a healthy, mature branch of the Golden Weeping Willow tree that is at least 1 year old and has a diameter of 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
2. Using pruning shears or scissors, cut a 6 to 8-inch long piece of the branch at a 45-degree angle. Make sure to cut just below a leaf node or bud.
3. Remove the leaves from the bottom 1/3 to 1/2 of the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
4. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone or plant it directly in potting soil.
5. If using rooting hormone, tap off the excess powder and gently press the cutting into the soil, leaving the top leaves above the soil level.
6. If using potting soil, make a hole in the soil with a pencil or your finger and insert the cutting, gently firming the soil around it.
7. Water the cutting thoroughly and place the pot in a bright, warm, and humid spot, out of direct sunlight.
8. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse effect and help retain moisture (optional).
9. Water the cutting regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
10. After about 4 to 6 weeks, gently tug on the cutting to see if it has developed roots. If you feel resistance, it means that roots have formed, and you can remove the plastic bag or wrap.
11. Once the cutting has developed a good root system, you can transplant it into a larger container or into the ground in a sunny, well-draining spot.

That’s it! With a bit of patience and care, you can easily propagate Golden Weeping Willow cuttings and enjoy these beautiful trees in your garden or landscape.