Silver thorn bush?

Question

I want to plant silver thorn. i don't have much money for this. can i start with seed or can in use branches

Answer 1

You can use green wood cuttings in a simple mist house set up this time of year. Hard wood cuttings are better off season.  Elaeagnus pungens or thorn olive is probably what you're referring to. Seed needs to be stratified in the refrigerator for three months to use them. Green cutting are probably easiest as I'm sure you have sand to root them in. You just need a misting device that you can make from a hose timer with lots of settings and some plastic sheeting. You should use a mild rooting compound. If you need more info on all that send me an email or look for a link about green wood cuttings. Kind of exciting, yes?

Answer 2

Yes, you can root silver thorn cuttings with rooting hormone. Juvenile cuttings, taken about midway of the dormant season are the best, but since it is too late for that, take the cuttings from branch tips, this year's growth or last years growth. Make the cut slanted, with a sharp knife, about 6 or 7 inches long. Remove all of the lower leaves, leaving only a few leaves on the tip, to cut down on transpiration.  Dip the cut ends of the cuttings in a rooting compound. I use one I bought off the net called Hormodin 2. Active ingredient Indlo-3-butyric acid, but any good rooting compound would work. The best medium is a 50/50 mix of potting soil and sand. Wet the media before planting and again after and let excess water drain away. Place the pot with cuttings in a large clear plastic bag and seal it. You can put a couple of sticks, longer than your cuttings in the pot to keep the plastic off of your cuttings. Place it out of direct sunlight.  Rooting will take 15 to 30 days.