It’s easiest to grow a healthy looking Pussy Willow by starting with a quality tree. Most nurseries sell saplings that are 2 or 3 years old and they usually have a very well-established root system already on them. You can also root a branch of a Pussy Willow tree in a jar of water and plant this in the ground once there white roots fill the jar.

Since these are related to the rest of the willow trees, they love a lot of water. The more water you can give them, the faster they seem to grow. Be sure to provide them with plenty of additional water during the dryer months, in order to help them continue to grow tall and strong.

The Pussy Willow tree can get to become quite a large specimen. If you wish to keep it on the small side, prune the branches once the catkins appear. This will provide you with some beautiful catkin-covered branches to make a table arrangement with or to offer to friends for a Pussy Willow tree starter of their very own.

These water-loving trees have been known to raid septic tanks, sewer lines, and water lines while searching for water. Even if you water Pussy Willow trees often, they will still send roots probing into a septic tank.

Sprinkle granular fertilizer around the tree, making sure to leave at least a couple feet of space between the fertilizer and the trunk of the willow. Don’t apply any fertilizer the first couple of years after planting a Pussy Willow. Wait until the roots are well established first.

In general, Pussy Willow trees are rather easy to grow and require mostly water. I love seeing the fuzzy little catkins each spring. Can you think of any additional tips that might be useful to someone who’s never grown a Pussy Willow before?

Top Photo Credit: el_vigilante