Propagating willows is actually super easy—as long as you know the right tricks! If you’re looking to add more of these beautiful trees to your landscape, you’ve come to the right place. I’m going to walk you through the best way to grow new willows so they take root quickly and stay healthy.
Growing Willows from Cuttings
Trying to grow willows from seeds is a bit of a headache, to be honest. Since these trees are usually dioecious (meaning a single tree is either male or female), you’d need two different trees of the same variety blooming at the same time just to get viable seeds. Even then, the success rate for seeds is pretty low. That’s why even the pros at plant nurseries almost always use cuttings instead.
You can grab your cuttings during your regular pruning or snip them specifically for propagation. The best time to do this is between October and February. During these months, you can easily find healthy, appropriately sized branches. Avoid pruning in the summer, though—not only is it better for the tree, but it also protects nesting birds (and in many places, there are even local ordinances against heavy summer pruning for that very reason).
How to Start Your New Willow
When you’re ready, snip off some willow cuttings about 8 to 12 inches long. Make sure you aren’t picking dry or brittle wood; you want juicy, vibrant branches with fresh growth. I always recommend taking several cuttings at once—it’s a great way to hedge your bets and ensure at least a few of them thrive!
Here is the kind of soil your willow will love:
- Neutral or slightly acidic pH
- Rich in nutrients
- Loose and moist, but well-draining
To get started, cut the bottom of your twig at an angle and prep a pot with some high-quality starting soil. Push the bottom half of the cutting into the dirt and give it a good soak. Place the pot in a sunny spot with plenty of fresh air. Keep the soil consistently moist as it grows, but be careful not to let it get swampy. While willows love water, standing water can cause the willow roots to rot before they even get established. Once spring rolls around and your cuttings have developed a solid root system, they’ll be ready to plant out in the garden!
