How to propagate Weigela florida? A detailed guide to the common propagation methods
1. Seed propagation.
September and October each year are the season when Weigela florida seeds mature and are harvested. After the seeds are collected, the fruits are sun-dried, rubbed apart and sifted to collect the seeds. Before sowing, soak the seeds in cold water for three hours, then wrap them in a damp cotton cloth or paper towel and place them in a cool spot to germinate; during germination, mist them with water every day to maintain humidity.
After a week, sow the seeds in level, well-aerated soil, sprinkle a 1 cm thick layer of fine sand on top, then cover with plastic film to keep them warm and moist.
A few days later, once the seeds begin to sprout into seedlings, remove the film to let in light, and water the seedlings more as they grow. In winter, take care to protect them from the cold and keep them warm. Generally, after one year they can be transplanted, and after about three years they will flower and can be enjoyed.
2. Layering propagation.
May to September is the season of vigorous growth for Weigela florida, and June is the best time for layering propagation. The temperature is just right at this time, suitable for vigorous plant growth; when layering, choose the lower creeping branches, as these root easily. With layering propagation, the new plant can generally be cut away from the mother plant in the winter of the same year or the following spring.
3. Cutting propagation.
Cutting propagation of Weigela florida is best done in autumn. When taking cuttings, choose semi-lignified new shoots, usually one-year-old mature branches, then use scissors to cut them into cuttings about 15 cm long, and then plant them. After planting, water thoroughly and provide shade; in winter, cover with film to keep them warm and increase the survival rate.
The above are the three methods of propagating Weigela florida. Next, let's talk about the later care of Weigela florida.
Propagation methods for Weigela florida
Cuttings of Weigela florida
The time for taking Weigela florida cuttings is from May to September, though it is mainly done in autumn. When taking cuttings, the material needed is semi-lignified new shoots, and one-year-old mature branches are generally the best choice. Once the cuttings are selected, they can be cut to 15-20 cm long, and then planted.
Note that after planting Weigela florida cuttings, water the pot thoroughly, then be sure to provide shade. During the winter, plastic film can be used to keep Weigela florida warm, which can increase the survival rate. Weigela florida grows fairly quickly, and generally can grow 40-50 cm in the same year.
Sowing Weigela florida
Weigela florida seeds can be harvested in September-October. After harvesting, dry the fruits, rub them apart and sift them to obtain the seeds. When sowing, soak the seeds in cold water for 3 hours, wrap the soaked seeds in damp cotton cloth or damp paper towels to germinate them, taking care to maintain humidity; mist them with water daily and keep them in a shaded spot.
After about a week, sow the seeds in level, well-aerated soil and cover with about 1 cm of fine sand. Cover well with plastic film to keep them warm and moist; once the seedlings have all emerged, remove the plastic film to let in light, and later strengthen water and fertilizer management. During the winter, take care to protect the seedlings from the cold; after one year they can be transplanted, and after about 3 years you can enjoy the Weigela florida flowers.
Layering Weigela florida
Weigela florida can be propagated by layering during its vigorous growth period from May to September, and June, when temperatures are higher, is best; at this time the temperature is suitable, the plant grows vigorously, and rooting is easy. Choose creeping branches from the lower part, as the nodes root fairly easily.
The layered plant can be cut away from the mother plant in the winter of the same year or the following spring. In April and May, when the weather turns warm, water the tray and use the soil's capillary action to draw the water upward.
Later care of Weigela florida
Fertilize Weigela florida once before it sprouts in spring to meet the vigorous demands of the growing season, then apply top dressing 2-3 times during the growing season to promote growth. In early spring, prune the branches, cutting away old, weak and dead wood to encourage the formation of new flower buds.
After flowering, remove the flower clusters promptly to promote flowering the following year. Prune on a 2-3 year cycle, appropriately cutting away branches more than 3 years old to encourage strong new growth.
How to propagate Weigela florida? Propagation methods and later care for Weigela florida
Image: Weigela florida
[Common questions]How to propagate Weigela florida? What propagation methods does Weigela florida have?
[Expert answer]Weigela florida is a highly ornamental flower. Its main propagation methods are cutting propagation, seed propagation and layering propagation. At the same time, later care must also be done well during the propagation of Weigela florida. The specific methods are as follows:
[Propagation methods for Weigela florida]
1. Cutting propagation
The time for taking Weigela florida cuttings is from May—September, though it is mainly done in autumn. When taking cuttings, the material needed is semi-lignified new shoots, and one-year-old mature branches are generally the best choice. Once the cuttings are selected, they can be cut to 15—20 cm long, and then planted.
Note that after planting Weigela florida cuttings, water the pot thoroughly, then be sure to provide shade. During the winter, plastic film can be used to keep Weigela florida warm, which can increase the survival rate. Weigela florida grows fairly quickly, and generally can grow 40-50 cm in the same year.
Image: Weigela florida
2. Seed propagation
Weigela florida seeds can be harvested in September-October. After harvesting, dry the fruits, rub them apart and sift them to obtain the seeds. When sowing, soak the seeds in cold water for 3 hours, wrap the soaked seeds in damp cotton cloth or damp paper towels to germinate them, taking care to maintain humidity; mist them with water daily and keep them in a shaded spot.
After about a week, sow the seeds in level, well-aerated soil and cover with about 1 cm of fine sand. Cover well with plastic film to keep them warm and moist; once the seedlings have all emerged, remove the plastic film to let in light, and later strengthen water and fertilizer management. During the winter, take care to protect the seedlings from the cold; after one year they can be transplanted, and after about 3 years you can enjoy the Weigela florida flowers.
3. Layering propagation
Weigela florida can be propagated by layering during its vigorous growth period from May to September, and June, when temperatures are higher, is best; at this time the temperature is suitable, the plant grows vigorously, and rooting is easy. Choose creeping branches from the lower part, as the nodes root fairly easily.
The layered plant can be cut away from the mother plant in the winter of the same year or the following spring. In April and May, when the weather turns warm, water the tray and use the soil's capillary action to draw the water upward.
Image: Weigela florida
4. Later care
Fertilize Weigela florida once before it sprouts in spring to meet the vigorous demands of the growing season, then apply top dressing 2-3 times during the growing season to promote growth. In early spring, prune the branches, cutting away old, weak and dead wood to encourage the formation of new flower buds; after flowering, remove the flower clusters promptly to promote flowering the following year. Prune on a 2-3 year cycle, appropriately cutting away branches more than 3 years old to encourage strong new growth.
[Editor's summary]Weigela florida is highly adaptable and easy to care for, so whether you choose cuttings, seeds or layering, the survival rate is very high. You can confidently choose whichever propagation method you like to propagate Weigela florida.