Puka

From Seed

Griselinia lucida produces abundant small berries that ripen from purple-black to deep purple in autumn, providing an excellent opportunity for seed propagation. Collect ripe berries when they are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch, typically from March to May. The timing is crucial as fresh seed has significantly higher germination rates than stored seed. Remove the fleshy pulp by gently mashing the berries and washing thoroughly under lukewarm water until all fruit residue is removed, revealing the small, hard seeds within. Seeds benefit from a cold stratification period to break dormancy - place cleaned seeds in slightly moist sand or peat moss in sealed containers and refrigerate at 2-4°C for 8-12 weeks, mimicking the natural winter conditions they would experience. Prepare a specialized seed-raising mixture combining equal parts sterilized potting mix, perlite, and fine bark chips to ensure excellent drainage while retaining adequate moisture. Sow seeds at a shallow depth of 5-10mm in individual pots or cellular trays, as Griselinia seedlings develop extensive root systems that dislike disturbance. Maintain consistent moisture using gentle misting, avoiding heavy watering that could displace the small seeds. Place containers in a warm, bright location with temperatures between 18-22°C, providing gentle bottom heat if available. Germination is typically slow and irregular, often taking 6-16 weeks, with some seeds potentially remaining dormant for extended periods. Young seedlings grow slowly initially and may take 12-18 months to reach suitable size for outdoor planting.

From Cuttings

Semi-hardwood cuttings provide a reliable method for propagating Griselinia lucida, ensuring plants maintain the exact characteristics of the parent specimen. Take cuttings during late summer to early autumn when the current season's growth has begun to firm but retains some flexibility. Select healthy, disease-free shoots 10-15cm long from vigorous outer branches, avoiding both very soft growing tips and completely hardened older wood. The cuttings should include 4-5 nodes and be taken from well-lit portions of the plant where growth is most active. Remove all leaves from the lower half of the cutting while preserving the upper foliage to maintain photosynthesis, reducing larger leaves by half to minimize moisture loss. Create a clean cut just below a node using sharp, sterilized secateurs, then lightly wound the base by scraping away thin strips of bark to expose the cambium layer and encourage root development. Apply rooting hormone containing IBA at 3000-4000ppm concentration to the wounded base, ensuring thorough coverage. Insert cuttings into a well-draining propagation medium consisting of equal parts perlite and peat moss or coconut coir, providing excellent drainage while maintaining consistent moisture levels. Maintain high humidity using a propagation tent or enclosed environment while ensuring adequate air circulation to prevent fungal problems. Keep temperatures steady at 20-24°C with gentle bottom heat to encourage root development. The rooting process typically takes 8-12 weeks, with success indicated by new growth and resistance when gently tugged. Once well-established, gradually acclimatize rooted cuttings to normal growing conditions over 4-6 weeks before transplanting to their permanent location.