Thuja propagation is carried out in different ways - seed, root division, horizontal layering and cuttings. Each method has its own characteristics and advantages, but vegetative propagation is still more popular among flower growers.
Thuja propagation by seeds
Since the seeds lose their germination after 10-12 months, only freshly harvested seed material should be used for sowing. Sowing seeds begins in December. Planting boxes or flower containers must be filled with prepared soil mixture of rotted earth (three parts), fine sand and peat (one part at a time) and sowed the seeds. Immediately after that, all containers are transferred to a cool cellar or placed in a refrigerator with an average temperature of about 5 degrees Celsius and left for 2-3 months. After this time, the boxes are placed in a warm and bright room with a temperature of 18 to 23 degrees Celsius for growing seedlings. Care of young plants consists in moderate watering, protection from direct sunlight and timely diving of seedlings.
Thuja is an unpretentious plant and its seedlings are developing rapidly. It is recommended to gradually accustom the growing crops to bright sunlight and open air. Planting seedlings should be carried out in early June. It is very important that at this moment the root system is fully formed and ready for transplanting into open ground. The seedling will become strong, healthy and strong only with good care in about 3-4 years.
Reproduction by dividing the root
This propagation method is recommended for young plants, as it is much easier to separate the root part. In order for the root system to acquire the necessary scale, the plant must be planted in the summer season to a depth of about 15 cm or hilling must be carried out. By the beginning of autumn, the roots will grow to the required size and, having dug out a young bush, you can divide them into separate seedlings and plant them for further independent development.
Propagation by horizontal layers
When using this method, it must be borne in mind that this method is not a guarantee of repetition of the typical crown shape. This is one of the main disadvantages of this method. Rooted lower branches can give several seedlings at once, but their external characteristics will not be at a high level. The resulting crooked seedlings will require good maintenance over several years in order to get good shape.
One of the lower branches of an adult plant must be bent to the surface of the ground, pinned with a wire and sprinkled with soil. Full roots will appear in about a year.
Thuja propagation by cuttings
Cuttings are used for propagation of thuja with needle-like needles, as well as with a spherical crown. This method is especially effective for young specimens of thuja. In early spring (before the buds awaken), it is necessary to cut cuttings from two or three-year-old lateral lignified shoots 30-40 cm long, process the cut sites with heteroauxin and root them in a special substrate to a depth of about 2-3 cm.Its composition: perlite, pure fine river sand, vermiculite and peat with high acidity. The substrate should be light and loose, with good air permeability.
When grafting in spring, the air temperature is favorable - 15-18 degrees Celsius, and in summer - from 20 to 23 degrees. The moisture content of the soil during the rooting period of cuttings should be moderate. Watering is not recommended; it is better to replace them with regular spraying. To improve root formation, you can use special stimulating solutions. After spring cuttings, the seedlings will be ready for the winter cold and they will not need any additional cover. But the "summer" cuttings will not have time to get stronger before winter, so it is worth transferring them for storage (for all winter months) in a bright room with a temperature of 10 to 15 degrees.
