Rooting Corkscrew Willow Cuttings: Timing Critical

Must Use Fresh Cuttings

Willows root easily BUT only from freshly cut wood. Stored limbs = dead cambium = failure.

Procedure (Do at Cutting Time)

1. Select 1/2-1 inch diameter stems, 5-16 inches long
2. Dip cut ends in rooting hormone
3. Pot in moist potting soil
4. Keep damp (not soggy)
5. Test rooting in 6 weeks: gentle tug resistance
6. Best timing: early spring, dormant, pre-bud break

Key Point

Cannot root limbs after they've dried. Must process immediately at cutting time.