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ExtremeVegetables.com

We know that the willow tree produces a hormone called
Indolebutyric Acid which is a natural rooting hormone produce in abundance in the willow tree.
My theory is that by mulching in or compostings of willow leaves, bark and twigs will produce enough IA to be beneficial in creating a larger more healthy root system.

Extracts from the willow tree have been used for years as a natural rooting hormone with success which equals most commercial hormones. In theory, this hormone spread throughout the patch should aid in a healthy more vigorous rooting sysytem.

I'd like to hear your thoughts on this.

11/6/2007 6:29:27 AM

President - GPC

Give it a try, I have read the same.....let us know...

11/6/2007 8:41:35 AM

ExtremeVegetables.com

I personally can not find a source of willow leaves etc. so I am reaching out to the rest of the community here to see if anyone else has any thoughts, opinions, or experience with this.

11/6/2007 9:50:04 AM

Woodinville, WA, PNW zn 7b

I am not sure how long the willow tonic will last. I suggest that you run green branches thorugh a chipper. The rooting hormone is in the bark. Let the chips soak 24 hours in a big drum of water. Then use the tonic water as a soak.

Make a fresh batch every time you want to water.

11/12/2007 7:41:18 PM

Woodinville, WA, PNW zn 7b

Also regarding willow. I've read that you can make a free rooting hormone dip by crushing willow sticks and letting them soak in a bucket of water for a day. Dip your cuttings to be rooted into the bucket of willow water. I have never tried this myself, but it's an oldtime greenhouse trick.

11/13/2007 12:51:00 AM