Weeping Willow Bark Water for Cuttings

A macerate made from the bark of young weeping willow branches, traditionally used to soak the base of cuttings before planting. In a trial with olive tree cuttings (Al-Amad and Qrunfleh, Acta Horticulturae, 2016), a 48-hour soak in the bark extract increased the rooting rate to 46.9%; wood and leaf extracts had no effect. Published results remain limited.

Application

Application description: Soak the bases of woody or semi-woody cuttings before planting; the remaining solution can be used to water the growing medium for the cuttings.

Dose: Undiluted macerate for soaking; diluted by half for watering the growing medium (standard practice).

Tips

Prepare the macerate shortly before use and store it in a cool place for no more than a few days. Choose young, vigorous twigs. Consider this macerate as a supplement to good propagation practices (well-drained growing medium, moisture, warmth), not as a guarantee.

Preparation process

1) Cut a few young twigs and peel off their bark (or cut them into 2- to 3-cm pieces and split them open). 2) Chop them coarsely and place them in a jar. 3) Cover with non-chlorinated water, seal the jar, and let it steep for 24 to 48 hours at room temperature, away from light. 4) Strain: the liquid will take on a slightly amber hue. 5) Soak the bases of the cuttings in the infusion for 12 to 48 hours, then plant them.

Preparation time

24 to 48 hours of maceration, followed by 12 to 48 hours of soaking.

Product obtained

A slightly amber-colored liquid; use within the next few days.

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