Weeping willow cuttings - when to fertilise?

[Kyushu Danji]

This winter I took 10 or so large cuttings from a weeping willow. A few weeks ago I potted them up and they have started sprouting vigorously. I want to encourage this growth, but at the same time I am worried the roots might not be ready to apply fertiliser yet. Could anyone give me advice on this? So far I have only used seasol, but would like to know if a product such as thrive would be too strong to use at this point in time?

Thank you
James

[kcpoole]

Once they have roots you can feed them.
I would only do so with 1/2 strength of an Liquid fert you use for everything else

Ken

[MoGanic]

I took about 6 cuttings from a willow too! Gotta love the success rate of the cuttings hey? haha.

I would continue using the seasol and just let em grow. If they're already vigorously shooting and leafing and growing, you don't particularly need fert. If you do chose to fertilise for a little extra kick, follow KC's advice and ensure that it is just that.. a little kick.

Cheers
-Mo

[Kyushu Danji]

It is my first time working with willow. I was surprised that every cutting struck so readily. I am hoping after a few years they will make good bonsai^^

[shibui]

Roots are roots. Why would they not be ready for fertiliser??? While freshly cut roots might be sensitive, new roots do not have cut ends so start feeding. A strong growing tree like willow can handle plenty of fertiliser whenever there are leaves to process it.

[Booga]

It is my first time working with willow. I was surprised that every cutting struck so readily. I am hoping after a few years they will make good bonsai^^

I think they are very tolerant to neglect too.
I did not tend to mine once they started to develop rust during late autumn last year except a water every now and then and that was only when the were realy dry But now its spring they are booming and i only lost a few finer branch tips

[Kyushu Danji]

Thanks for your comments. I might update this thread with some photos in a few months, if the willows keep going well. I took your advice Shibui and they were fertilised today.

James