I know these poor things have a reputation as "trash trees", but one man's trash is another man's treasure and I passionately love these trees. These are cuttings I received today in the mail with vague instructions on planting. I have root stimulator, but these have no roots. I want them all the grow healthy, can anyone tell me the best way to plant them? THANK YOU!!
I would cut the bottoms off to get a fresh cut, trim off all but 2 or 3 leaves at the top. Dip in root stimulator, then plant in a small pot. Water well. Place the entire thing in a sunny location (not direct sun) inside a clear plastic bag like you get in the produce department.
Stephanie
I am curious because Cottonwood trees are so common. I love them too, but if you plant any, make sure that they are male, to avoid the cotton that can be quite a mess.
Is that why you got cuttings? to avoid planting a female?
Josephine.
I know the cuttings are male just from the guy that sent them to me. I actually couldn't find just a regular old cottonwood here in Bryan or the surrounding area. All the nurseries had the seedless cottonwood and I wanted the old one from when I was a kid. These came from a sixty year old plus tree. I honestly don't know much about trees, I'm a rose person actually. I just remember these from growing up and wanted to add them to my pasture. I'm going for that Urban Wildlife certification someday, that is my end goal :)
Urban Wildlife certification is a very worthy goal, but if you plant trees that make cotton, make sure to put them far from the house, they can be murder on air conditioners.
Also, remember they have very shallow roots and will tear up your lawnmower.
All very awesome information, thank you so much!! I am planting a meadow of native Texas wildflowers around the trees so no mower should ever get near them after next year.
I have done cottonwood cuttings before - but only in winter. I have never done a Spring cutting on anything but Mulberry - but for a Mulberry and the winter cottonwoods plant them in very moist sand like soil - not clay - with the tops pointingjust above the soil line. Keep watered and give more sun light once they get leaves and start growing. In the fall dig out the baby trees and place in the new locations but you will need to protect them during the first summer of their lives with extra water. Cottonwoods grow based on the water they get so the more water the faster they grow.
WOW!! Thank you so much! I am putting them in the ground tonight and watching them like hawks. I can't wait to see them grow!!
These should be an absolute breeze to propagate! Take fresh stems, not old enough to be very hard and woody but not fresh sprouts, cut them into lengths of maybe 8 inches or so, strip off the leaves but remember which side is "up," fill gallon nursery pots or other containers with ordinary soil, poke the cuttings into the pots, anywhere from 1 to 3 to a pot, water well, keep them moist but not soggy, and in the shade until they begin to sprout leaves, and stand out of the way!!! Once they leaf out, gradually move them into the sun and don't water as often, but don't let them dry out to the point that the leaves wilt. This is best done in late winter or early spring, inside, but now is ok.
DP
