How to Propagate Sambucus javanica? A Detailed Guide to Common Propagation Methods

I. Seed Propagation

1. This plant generally produces fruit in autumn. We can wait until its fruit is ripe and the fruit has already split open, then collect the fruit. Note that you should collect it when it has already split open but has not yet fallen off. After collecting it, rub the fruit with both hands, and the seeds will be rubbed out. Next, we can remove the impurities on the seed coat. You can use water to wash away the useless material on the outside of the seeds.

2. Then you can prepare the seedbed for raising seedlings. Generally, the drill sowing method is chosen for sowing, so you need to dig furrows. After digging them, sow the seeds. After sowing, cover the surface of the seeds with a layer of soil 1 to 1.5 cm thick.

3. This plant likes to sprout in relatively low-temperature places, so it is best to control the temperature at 7.6-12.4 degrees.

4. During the seedling emergence period, give it sufficient light. If all these conditions are met, it can grow seedlings in about 3 or 4 days. The germination rate of this kind of seed is about 72%. If handled properly, most of the seeds can sprout.

5. During its growth period, we should pay attention to keeping the soil moist, and also frequently remove the surrounding weeds so that the plant can fully absorb the nutrients it needs.

II. Cutting Propagation

1. If you do not like seed propagation, we can also use cuttings. Usually in February, this season when it is relatively easy to sprout, we should select healthy and disease-free branches from robust plants. These branches can be cut into sections 20 to 25 cm long. Note that these branches must retain more than 3 growth nodes.

2. Then we can dig a seedbed 3 m wide, and also dig a series of horizontal trenches. The spacing between these horizontal trenches is 26 cm, and the depth reaches 16 to 20 cm. On one horizontal trench, we can insert 15 to 20 branches, and the topmost node must be exposed above the ground.

3. Then you can use soil to fill these trenches level.