Hackberry trees can be propagated by seed, rooting, layering, or grafting.
Seed propagation
- Scarify and stratify the seeds at 40°F for 60–90 days
Plant the seeds in pots or a garden bed in late fall or winter Keep the soil moist Transplant seedlings outdoors in mid to late summer to harden them off
Rooting propagation
- Use rooting hormone
- Create a mini greenhouse for cuttings
- Grow cuttings in moist conditions
Layering propagation
- Propagate common hackberry through layering in autumn and winter
Grafting propagation
- Ensure cambium contact
- Wrap with grafting tape
Tips for propagating hackberry
- Use soil with mycorrhizae to help the tree absorb nutrients
- Place rocks around newly planted seedlings to increase moisture availability
- Plant seedlings in moist, loamy, well-drained soils
- Plant seedlings in full sun to partial shade
Hackberry trees are adaptable and can thrive in many types of soil, including clay, sandy, and loamy. They can also tolerate a wide range of temperatures and growing conditions.