How to Propagate Blackthorn from Hardwood Cuttings This Autumn
There's no widely known, internationally published guide dedicated solely to propagating blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) using hardwood cuttings in autumn. However, various gardening and botanical books, as well as plant propagation handbooks, discuss this method for various shrubs and trees, including Prunus species.
Experts like Wolfram Franke, in his books like 'Mein Gartenjahr', and specialists in fruit and garden cultivation, such as Helmut Pirc or Peter Himmelhuber, often cover this topic. Specialised works on plant propagation, like 'Practical Woody Plant Propagation for Nursery Growers' by Bruce Macdonald, also touch upon this method. Online resources and magazines like 'Obstbauforschung' or 'Die Baumschule' provide detailed information.
To propagate blackthorn, select healthy, one-year-old lignified stems close to the ground. Cut them into 20 cm sections. Prepare a planting mix of equal parts garden soil, sand, compost, and sawdust, sterilised with a weak potassium permanganate solution. Place the cuttings in this mix. Roots will emerge at the base after about a month. Once roots reach 3-4 cm, transplant the cuttings into the soil. The ideal time for taking hardwood cuttings is October to November. Maintain a warm, bright location to encourage bud break and photosynthesis in the young plants. Transplant the seedlings into the garden after the last frost has passed.
While there's no single, renowned author focusing exclusively on blackthorn propagation using hardwood cuttings, practical handbooks and specialist literature provide detailed guidance on this method. By following these steps, gardeners can successfully propagate blackthorn for their gardens.
