DIY Willow Rooting Hormone: A Natural Alternative

As gardening season approaches, I've been feeling inspired by nature and how it can support our gardening efforts. Recently, I was reading The Boreal Herbal by Beverly Grey, and I discovered that you can make your own natural rooting hormone using willow branches. Rooting hormone helps plant cuttings grow roots, turning them into new plants. Many store-bought rooting hormones are full of chemicals that some of us might prefer to avoid, so the idea of using willow caught my attention.

Willow, which can grow as a tree or shrub, is abundant across North America. There are many species of willow, all belonging to the genus Salix, and any of these species will work for this project. It’s easy to find and an eco-friendly option for helping your plants thrive.

How to Make Your Own Willow Rooting Hormone

Here’s a simple method to make your own willow rooting hormone at home:

1. Gather Your Willow Branches: 

Collect a handful of fresh willow branches. Look for young, green shoots, as they contain higher concentrations of the rooting hormone. You can also use older branches, but the younger ones tend to work better.

2. Prepare the Willow Water: 

Strip the leaves from the willow branches and cut the stems into small pieces, about 1-2 inches long. Place these cuttings into a large jar or container.

3. Steep the Willow Cuttings:

 Pour boiling water over the willow cuttings until they are fully submerged. Let the mixture steep for at least 24 hours. You can also let it steep for a few days in a cool, dark place to extract more of the natural hormones.

4. Strain and Store: 

After steeping, strain out the willow cuttings and pour the liquid into a clean jar. Your homemade willow rooting hormone is now ready to use. Store it in the fridge to keep it fresh for up to a month.

5. Use on Plant Cuttings: 

When you’re ready to propagate your plants, simply dip the cut end of your cuttings into the willow water before planting them in soil. The natural hormones in the willow water will help stimulate root growth.

A Personal Connection to Propagation

Making my own rooting hormone reminded me of my mother’s love of gardening. When I was about six years old, she decided to block out the view of our neighbours' newly paved patio by planting a hedge of laurel cuttings along the fence. She started dozens of cuttings in water, and once they rooted, she planted them in a row. Eventually, the hedge grew tall enough to create the privacy she wanted.

Years later, she successfully propagated hydrangeas from cuttings as well. I remember how proud she was of those plants, knowing she had nurtured them from small clippings into thriving bushes. Though we eventually moved away, I often think about that laurel hedge and how it must have flourished into a natural barrier.

Creating your own willow rooting hormone is a simple and sustainable way to connect with nature and grow your garden. Plus, it’s a beautiful nod to time-honoured gardening traditions passed down through generations.