Pussy Willow starts

[Carol Dee]

I got some branches from a friends pussy willow. They have rooted nicely. Beginning to leaf out. Are they ready to plant? Or should I wait until there is more root growth? One or more per hole?

 

[thistlebloom]

I think you could put them in the ground now Carol Dee. I would only put one per hole if they are anywhere near as vigorous as our local willows. They will even root very nicely if you push them into a pot of moist potting soil.

 

[Smart Red]

I agree with Thistle. Willows are among the easiest things to start in the plant world. Those babies are ready to stretch their roots. One per hole. They can be grown as a tree or kept cut as shrubby growth.

 

[VA_LongBean]

I had a pussy willow start at my parents' old house that made a 15 foot tall, eight to ten foot wide tree. It thrived on the water from the ditch along the road side. Put those pussy willows where they have room to stretch and plenty of water and you'll never lack for armloads of decorative catkins in spring.

 

[thistlebloom]

Just be careful about putting them anywhere near pipes or septic systems.

 

[Carol Dee]

Thanks everyone. I hope to get them in the ground soon.

 

[journey11]

Yeah, I'd say plant them. Just make sure they're getting a steady supply of water and that the soil doesn't dry out. That drip bucket trick that Jared77 mentioned would work well. Willows like lots of water.

 

[thistlebloom]

Now I'm wondering about willows and water....they do of course love water, but we have several giant thickets, about 8' or 10' diameter that get no water at all through summer. So I wonder if it's the type of willow (which seems likely) or if they can live on less water if they are started that way. I don't know if that makes sense...

 

[journey11]

Now I'm wondering about willows and water....they do of course love water, but we have several giant thickets, about 8' or 10' diameter that get no water at all through summer. So I wonder if it's the type of willow (which seems likely) or if they can live on less water if they are started that way. I don't know if that makes sense...

I think once they get going, they have massive root systems. We were told not to plant them anywhere near our septic.

 

[SweetMissDaisy]

Haa!!! My neighbor gave me some twigs this spring from her pussy willow tree just for decor in my house -- I of course, stuck them in water. I was just looking at them last night, wondering if they were ready to plant!