Do you have any information on how to propagate vernal witch hazel?
To propagate vernal witch hazel (Hamamelis vernalis), Michael Dirr’s Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation (Varsity Press, 1987) says the following:
From seed:
70% germination after 3 months cold stratification,
75% after 3 warm months/3 cold,
81% after 4 warm months/3 cold,
85% after 5 warm/3 cold.
Fall planting improves success.
From cuttings:
Easy to root and keep alive.
Grafting is not used much as a propagation method.
The American Horticultural Society’s book, Plant Propagation (DK Publishing, 1999) says that softwood cuttings do not overwinter well. One should take early nodal stem-tip cuttings as soon as new growth in spring is 2 3/4 – 4 inches long. Provide bottom heat and rooting hormone to speed rooting in 6-8 weeks. Layering can also be done in spring. Grafting can be done in late summer.
The following is from the Royal Horticultural Society:
“To propagate by seed, harvest as soon as the fruits mature in late summer to early autumn and sow in a cold frame promptly before they have a chance to dry out. Fresh seeds may take up to 18 months to germinate. When the seedlings appear, prick them out and pot them up for overwintering in the greenhouse for their first year. They can be planted out late the following spring and will reach flowering size in about six years.
Witch hazel suckers freely and also can be propagated by layering in early spring or autumn. Layering works well, but the process will take a year.
Softwood cuttings can be rooted in the summer. Volunteer seedlings can also be potted up and transplanted.”