weeping willow trees

Question

I would like information on starting weeping willows from cuttings for bonsai:
– what time of year
– what is maximum size of branch cutting
– best method of rooting: straight into water or in soil

any and all info would be greatly appreciated

Answer 1

Willow is one of the easiest shrubs to root using cuttings. Most articles recommend putting a cutting directly in damp soil. The planted end should have an angled cut. Rooting hormone doesn’t seem to be necessary. To keep an eye on it and make sure the soil is moist, you can put your 6″ cuttings in a container with regular potting mix. Branches that are still flexible tend to root faster than older, stiff wood. Late winter to early spring are good times to take willow cuttings. Mid summer, new growth can be trimmed for cuttings. They should root in approximately 3 weeks but it can be longer. A general article on taking cuttings follows. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/how-to-root-cuttings-from-various-shrubs-bushes-and-trees.htm