Tsuga Candensis (Canadian Hemlock) propagation ??
GravelEater
Posts: 122
Hi,
Not sure if this is the correct place for this question, so my apologies if not.
We have a Tsuga Candensis 'Fantana' conifer that is well established and doing fine. WE picked up a Jeddeloh as we couldn't find a Fantana anywhere. The growing style of the Jeddeloh is more of a ball/mound than the more angular upwards projection of the Fantana.
Seeing as I can't find Fantana, I thought I might try growing some from the seeds in the cones that it's producing.
After some 'net searching I get the idea that I'm supposed to collect the seeds, put them in/on some sand in a sealed containing in the fridge for a few weeks or a couple of months(!) for stratification / germination.
I also read that if I collect the seeds in Autumn, I can sow them in a lidded propagation tray, in a compost/sharp sand mix, and leave it outside throughout the Winter to do the same job.
Seeing as England is not Canada, I have a feeling that our Winter, as cold and wet as it is, simply isn't cold enough for long enough to do the job.
I also read that cuttings might be a good option. Harder and softer wood cuttings seem to differ in growing attributes.
Has anyone had any success at getting these things to germinate and grow? I'd love to actually grow my own conifers. I've never taken cuttings before, with exception of a neighbour taking a cutting of a Taxus/Yew, dipping in rooting powder and plonking it in the ground.
Thanks for any advice.
Not sure if this is the correct place for this question, so my apologies if not.
We have a Tsuga Candensis 'Fantana' conifer that is well established and doing fine. WE picked up a Jeddeloh as we couldn't find a Fantana anywhere. The growing style of the Jeddeloh is more of a ball/mound than the more angular upwards projection of the Fantana.
Seeing as I can't find Fantana, I thought I might try growing some from the seeds in the cones that it's producing.
After some 'net searching I get the idea that I'm supposed to collect the seeds, put them in/on some sand in a sealed containing in the fridge for a few weeks or a couple of months(!) for stratification / germination.
I also read that if I collect the seeds in Autumn, I can sow them in a lidded propagation tray, in a compost/sharp sand mix, and leave it outside throughout the Winter to do the same job.
Seeing as England is not Canada, I have a feeling that our Winter, as cold and wet as it is, simply isn't cold enough for long enough to do the job.
I also read that cuttings might be a good option. Harder and softer wood cuttings seem to differ in growing attributes.
Has anyone had any success at getting these things to germinate and grow? I'd love to actually grow my own conifers. I've never taken cuttings before, with exception of a neighbour taking a cutting of a Taxus/Yew, dipping in rooting powder and plonking it in the ground.
Thanks for any advice.
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I simply don't think we have a long enough cold climate here in England for 2-3 months of <4 °C.
https://www.uky.edu/hort/propagation-canadian-hemlock#:~:text=Seed germination: Stratify seeds using,the classroom to observe germination.
I've harvested some cones and have kept them indoors to dry out. The seeds are now in an envelope awaiting the next steps. A cheap little plastic propagator with clear lid was purchased from the supermarket. I'll likely need to wash some sharp sand or else get some proper sand for the purpose (no lime or salt).
I've no greenhouse so they'll have to do as they do outside in that little plastic doohickey.
Looks like I should be putting the seeds in a bag in the fridge around October/November, for putting into the propagator outside around January/February.
Our Wintergold pines have developed some cones this year. However, seeing as they are grafted species, I don't think there is any reason to try and grow those.
After breaking a bit off of a Euonymus during planting, I made a bunch of cuttings, and stuffed them into compost/perlite mix (no rooting compound). Sprayed them well with water and chucked an old compost bag over during the frosty nights we've had. So far, they haven't wilted. It's been about 6 weeks. My impatient side just wants to pull them out to see if there are any roots, but I know I can just leave them as they are. If they aren't wilting then they must have moisture, roots will either develop or not. Euonymus is said to be easy to propagate from cuttings.
How to grow
CultivationGrow in humus-rich moist but well-drained acid to slightly alkaline soil in full sun or part shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds; very shade tolerant
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in spring; root semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn
RHS guidelines on propagation.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border