Growing pussy willow for the floral trade.

15 years ago

I have a patch of native pussy willow (Salix discolor) that put on a fine show of catkins every year.

I'm comtemplating taking cuttings of the better ones, to start growing for the floral trade.

I've noticed the following characteristices:

1. Length of catkin. (5/8" to 1")

2. Color catkin (almost white to dark grey.)

3. Regularity of catkin along stem. (gaps, evenness)

4. Internode space between catkins (close, far)

5. Internode space between side branches. (small tight cluster of branches, long whips)

My questions:

Anyone know which of these are genetic, and which are environmental?

Tips on producing consistently good pussy willow branches?

Also any pointers to books/online material on growing pussy willows for floral market?

Any pointers on how to breed willows.

Thanks

--

Sherwood Botsford

Sherwood's Forests

Warburg, Alberta T0C 2T0

http://www.sherwoods-forests.com

780-848-2548

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Comment (1)

trianglejohn
15 years ago
This new book just out by Timber Press might answer some of your questions:

Woody Cut Stems for Growers and Florists -
Production and Post-Harvest Handling of Branches
for Flowers, Fruit, and Foliage

By Lane Greer and John Dole

ISBN-13: 9780881928921

I will add that cut pussy willow stems seem to be big sellers whenever I see them offered but I have no idea if they are big money makers.