Privet cuttings boost

Sam76

Hi all, i have quite a lot of privet cuttings growing in the ground but want to give them a boost. Should i spread bonemeal to establish their roots or nettle fertiliser for growth? I've read that nettle fertiliser can be too harsh on young plants

Fairygirl

What sort of size are they, and how long have they been in the ground?

I would tend to leave cuttings alone to develop slowly, rather than trying to force them. 

Sam76

They were planted out in the spring. About 4-6". The cuttings were taken last august/september. Thanks

Fairygirl

Assuming the ground they're in is of a reasonable quality, I would leave them alone to develop their roots slowly and become sturdier plants in the end. 

Others may have a different view though 

Dovefromabove

I agree with @Fairygirl ... I wouldn’t feed until they’re quite a bit bigger ... probably next spring when I’d give them a light feed of fish, blood and bone. 

Sam76

What about adding manure as privet is a gross feeder?

Fairygirl

They're too young and immature just now. 
You can feed in spring, as Dove indicates. By that time, they'll have developed good root systems, be well established in their surroundings, and used to your growing conditions. Manure would be fine then, as long as it's well rotted. 

Sam76

Ok thanks

Lyn

I agree with  Dove and  Fairy,   If you feed yo plants they will try to put on a growth spurt, which will look nice to you but the won’t make a decent root system, they can’t do both, and your top growth will then be weak, not what you need when winter comes, so leVe them to do their own thing, you may not see much change but they will be the better for it. 

If they were mine I would have brought them on in pots until double that size, but I  do hope these work for you.

Sam76

Thanks all