Forsythia Care and Pruning

How to Propagate a  Forsythia
Forsythias are propagated from semi-ripe cuttings taken in mid August. The procedure for semi-ripe cuttings is common to many shrubs. The procedure is covered in great detail in another of our articles, click here to go there now. With forsythia cuttings there is a high chance of success.

Growing Standard Forsythias
A standard is a plant that is grown on a long stem that has no shoots or growth on it except at the top. Forsythias make excellent standards and the process is simple although it does take time.

Take a semi-ripe cutting as described above. As the cutting grows, pinch out all shoots except the leading top shoot. When the plant has reached within 60cm (2ft) of the required height, stop pinching out the side shoots. The 'head' of the plant will grow leaving the stem bear.

This process is the same as growing a standard fuchsia. Click here for in depth instructions.  Ignore the bit about light - forsythia standards can be grown outside with no need for artificial light or heat.