You don’t need to be a professional botanist to grow your own Hawthorn! You can easily propagate new plants from your favorite “mother” shrub right at home. Whether you want to start from seeds, soft cuttings, or hardwood cuttings, I’ve got you covered.
Propagating from Seed
In the fall, those bright red Hawthorn berries are practically begging to be harvested. First things first: you’ll need to remove all the pulp from the seeds. After letting them dry on a windowsill for about 24 hours (pro tip: use a paper towel to soak up extra moisture), it’s time to plant. Grab a container with some high-quality seed-starting mix, make shallow rows a few inches apart, and tuck the seeds in. Cover them with a light dusting of soil, give them a drink, and pop a clear plastic bag over the top to create a mini greenhouse.
Just a heads-up: Hawthorn seeds are patient. In the wild, they can take up to a year to germinate, so keep that soil consistently moist. Sometimes, fallen berries from the previous year will sprout on their own in the spring. If you spot these little volunteers in your yard, you can gently dig them up and move them to a better spot. If you’re wondering where that perfect spot might be, check out my guide on the best location for Hawthorn and other tips for growing Hawthorn in your garden.
Growing from Softwood Cuttings
If you want to try cuttings, look for a healthy shoot that has at least one leaf and one bud. You’ll want to take your cut from one-year-old wood, just above a node (you can usually feel a slight bump there). The best time to do this is right at the beginning of the growing season. Aim for cuttings that are between two and three inches long.
Stick the bottom third of the cutting into your potting soil. Just like with the seeds, these guys love a warm, humid environment. Keep them moist and use a clear plastic bag to trap that humidity.
Growing from Hardwood Cuttings
Another great option is using hardwood cuttings. You can actually do this in the dead of winter—early February is usually perfect. Look for strong, one-year-old branches and make a clean cut just below a “node” or eye.
Bury about two-thirds of the cutting into the soil. Keep them in a warm, damp spot to encourage those roots to wake up.
Here are a few extra pro-tips for Hawthorn success:
- 1. Hawthorn seeds are “cold germinators.” This means they actually like a bit of a chill! Storing your seeds in the fridge for a while mimics their natural winter cycle and can help them sprout better.
- 2. If you want to give your cuttings a head start, dip the ends in some rooting hormone powder before planting. It really helps speed up root development!
