From One Hawthorn to Many: Propagating Crataegus calpodendron, the “Apple Hawthorn”
The “Apple Hawthorn” (Crataegus calpodendron), a beautiful native species with large, apple-like fruits, is a welcome addition to any landscape. And the best part? You can easily expand your own little hawthorn haven by propagating new plants from your existing one! Whether you want to share with friends, fill your garden with a hedge, or just enjoy the simple satisfaction of nurturing new life, learning how to propagate Crataegus calpodendron is surprisingly easy.
Understanding the Options
There are two main methods for propagating this hawthorn:
- Seed Propagation: This is the most widely used method for Crataegus calpodendron. Seeds are readily available from the fruits (which ripen in the fall) and can be sown directly in the ground or in pots. However, be warned – hawthorn seeds have a hard, dormant seed coat that makes germination a challenge! Therefore, you’ll need to be patient and employ some tricks.
- Cuttings: For those less patient, cuttings can be a quicker option. This method involves taking a piece of healthy stem from your existing hawthorn and encouraging it to root independently.
Seed Propagation: A Journey of Patience
- Harvest the Seed: Carefully collect the ripe fruits from your Crataegus calpodendron in the fall. Separate the seeds from the fruit flesh and wash them thoroughly.
- Scarification: To break through that stubborn seed coat, you’ll need to employ a process called scarification. This can be done by manually nicking the seed coat with a sharp knife, soaking the seeds in hot water (almost boiling) for 15-20 minutes, or using sandpaper to gently rub the seed coat.
- Stratification: Next, you’ll imitate the natural cold conditions seeds experience over winter. This can be done by placing the seeds in a damp medium (like moist peat moss) and storing them in a refrigerator for at least 3 months.
- Sowing and Germination: After stratification, you can sow the seeds in well-draining soil outdoors. It’s best to sow them in the fall as this allows them to experience a natural winter chill. Otherwise, you can start them indoors in pots under a grow light. Patience is key! Germination can take several weeks to months.
Cuttings: A Quicker Route
- Time is Key: The best time to take cuttings is in the late summer or early fall.
- The Cut: Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut a 6-8 inch section of healthy, non-flowering, new growth. Remove the leaves from the bottom inch or two and treat the cut with a rooting hormone.
- Rooting Medium: Dip the treated end in rooting hormone and insert it into a pot filled with a moist rooting medium like perlite or vermiculite.
- Humidity and Sunlight: Create a humid environment for your cuttings by covering the pot with a plastic bag or dome. Place them in a bright location out of direct sunlight.
- Patience Again: Check regularly for moisture and keep the rooting medium evenly damp. With time, roots will develop – this can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you choose seed propagation or cuttings, remember that nurturing new hawthorns requires patience and dedication. Once your new plants are established, you can enjoy their beauty for years to come. With their charming flowers, beautiful foliage, and edible fruit, Crataegus calpodendron is a rewarding tree to cultivate – and now you have the tools to multiply that reward through propagation!