Propagating Suckers
Overview:
Some types of trees / shrubs send up new shoots or suckers from their roots which to some gardeners become a nuisance so they remove them, when in fact they can be used to increase stock of that particular tree / shrub.
If new stock is required, begin the process circa Week 15 and this will give the suckers the rest of the season to establish themselves.
With trees that have been grafted on to a new rootstock ensure that you take suckers from above the graft*
* Suckers below the graft will produce plants resembling the rootstock variety rather than the grafted variety.
Method:
- When collecting the sucker/s firstly loosen the soil around the parent plant with a hand-fork, and then carefully lift the sucker, being careful not to disturb the parent plant.
- Sever the sucker with a sharp knife, ensuring that it comes away with some roots attached.
- Once the sucker/s have been removed replace and firm the soil around the parent plant.
- Tidy up the sucker by trimming off the main root back to the fibrous roots.
- Reduce long, leafy shoots by about half to limit dehydration.
- Place in a nursery bed where the soil is free-draining and enriched with organic matter.
- Alternatively, pot up into a suitable sized pot of multipurpose compost.
- Firm the compost around the roots then thoroughly water it in.
- Place the pot/s into a coldframe to root.
- Do not allow the plant to dry out, particularly in its first season.