Growing Robinia - 3 methods explained in detail

The spherical robinia can be propagated with three different methods. We give the tips, you decide which variant suits you better.

As an attractive and easy-care small tree, the spherical robinia is an ornament for every garden. The trees only reach a small size and the crowns can be cut into shape. The ball acacia can even be cultivated on the balcony or terrace without any problems. By propagating the trees yourself, you can design other areas of the garden with the pretty small trees or you have found a gift for other plant lovers. How the spherical locust can be propagated and what needs to be considered can be read below.

What are the possibilities of propagation?

Cuttings
Seeds
Finishing

❶ Propagation by cuttings

In spring or autumn, root cuttings can be cut from the globose robinia. The cuttings should be about ten centimeters long and about two centimeters thick. Now fill smaller plant pots with a mixture of soil and sand. The cuttings must no longer have any leaves in their lower area. If the cuttings are placed in the ground, mold could otherwise form. The soil is kept evenly moist. Place the plant pots in a bright and warm place and increase the watering as soon as new shoots and leaves appear. After several pairs of leaves have formed, the young plant can be potted and transplanted to its final location.

❷ Propagation by seed

Propagation by seed is perhaps a little more complicated, but you will also be able to grow numerous young plants with this method. If you already have a spherical locust, you can easily obtain the seeds yourself. The oblong fruits of the globose locust can be harvested in late autumn. They then took on a brownish colour. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place over the winter, preferably tightly closed in a can, sowing can begin next spring.

Propagation by seed - step by step

Scratch seeds
seeds swelllet
Select Planters
Fill planters with soil

Insert seeds
Place the planter bright and warm
Keep substrate moist
Wait for germination

Before the seeds are planted, they are first scratched. To make it easier to swell, you should then pour hot water over the seeds and let them swell in warm water for another day. Select suitable planters and fill them with potting soil. The seeds are now pressed about five centimeters deep into the substrate. Then place the planters in bright light, but not in full sun. Ensure even watering. To promote germination, the planter can be covered with foil or glass.

➔ Tip: Covers should be aired regularly to prevent mold from forming.

Germination begins after about ten days and you can assume successful propagation. From a growth height of about ten centimeters, the young plants can be placed outdoors or given a larger planter. You can also sow direct outdoors. The seeds are prepared as described and sown directly from mid-May.

❸ Propagation by grafting

Propagation through grafting actually belongs in the hands of gardeners, but can also be carried out by experienced hobby gardeners. The grafting is done by grafting shoots of the black locust onto the trunks of the black locust. This ensures that the trunk no longer grows in height, but only increases in width while the spherical crown forms.

Grafting is a proven method of plant improvement. A scion is grafted onto a base. The plug was once also referred to as "pelts" and derives from the Latin term "propaginare". This grafting method is used for fruit and ornamental trees. The sharpened branches are pushed into the incised trunk of the robinia. This can be done by hand. Grafting machines are also often used in tree nurseries.

The types of propagation with their advantages and disadvantages

Propagation Method	Advantages	Cons
Cuttings	This method is easy to perform and has a fairly high guarantee of success.	A spherical locust is required.
Seeds	Multiple plants can be grown. The seeds can be obtained from existing plantsbecome.	The seeds must first be overwintered and then pre-swell, which means a lot of effort.
Finishing	A full-fledged and strong plant can be obtained immediately.	This method should be performed by experienced gardeners.

What happens to the young plants?

Once the young plants you have grown yourself have reached an appropriate size, they are transplanted to the desired location. It is important to ensure that the plants are placed in loose soil. The substrate should be well-drained so that the roots can spread into the soil and the plant can grow well. In the first few weeks after planting, the young plants need sufficient water. Older plants usually get their water and nutrients from their roots. If you mix the substrate with compost when planting, you create a good basis for growth and the spherical robinia can supply itself with sufficient nutrients.