From Seed to Shrub: Growing Your Own Lycium ferocissimum (Boxthorn)
Lycium ferocissimum, more commonly known as Boxthorn, is a hardy, adaptable shrub with beautiful, delicate purple flowers and red berries. While it can sometimes be considered an invasive species, its stunning appearance and resilience make it a popular choice for gardeners and landscape designers alike. If you’re thinking of adding Boxthorn to your garden, you’re likely wondering how to get started. The good news is, propagation is relatively simple! Let’s explore the different methods you can use to bring new Boxthorn life into your garden.
From Seed to Sapling
Boxthorn seeds are abundant, easily collected from the bright red berries that ripen in late summer. Here’s how to get your seeds ready for planting:
- Harvesting the Seeds: Gently squeeze ripe berries over a bowl, allowing the seeds to fall out. Alternatively, you can mash the berries and strain the pulp, leaving the seeds behind.
- Cleaning the Seeds: Rinse the seeds thoroughly to remove any remaining pulp and debris.
- Stratification: Cold stratification is recommended for Boxthorn seeds to encourage germination. Place the seeds in a moistened paper towel or vermiculite and store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks.
- Planting: After stratification, sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, covering them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Seedlings will emerge within a few weeks.
Growing from Cuttings:
Taking cuttings is another popular method for propagating Boxthorn, offering faster results than starting from seed. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Selecting Cuttings: Choose healthy, non-flowering stems from the current year’s growth. Cuttings should be about 6 inches long.
- Preparing Cuttings: Remove the leaves from the bottom inch or two of the cutting. You can also use a rooting hormone to encourage root development.
- Planting Cuttings: Fill pots with a rooting mix and make a small hole for each cutting. Insert the cuttings into the holes, making sure that the bottom leaf nodes are below the soil line.
- Maintaining Moisture: Keep the potting mix consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Place plastic wrap over the pots to create a humid environment.
- Rooted Success: Cuttings will typically root within a few weeks. Once you see new growth, you can start gradually acclimating the cuttings to outdoor conditions.
Tips for Success:
- Right Time, Right Place: Spring or early summer is the ideal season for propagating Boxthorn. Plant your seedlings or rooted cuttings in a sunny location with well-draining soil.
- Water Wisely: Boxthorn thrives on regular watering, especially when it’s young. Once established, it can tolerate some drought.
- Be Aware of Its Potential: Although attractive, Boxthorn can be invasive. Consider its potential spread before planting it in your garden.
Whether you choose to start from seed or utilize cuttings, propagating Lycium ferocissimum is an exciting way to add a splash of vibrant purple and red to your garden. Don’t forget to enjoy the process and watch your Boxthorn thrive!