To grow your own mistletoe you will need two things: 1. a suitable host tree for it to grow on (mistletoe is a parasitic plant). 2. patience! Growth is exceedingly slow, just a few inches in the first four years. Subsequently however it explodes into growth and can be harvested heavily every year, regrowing in time for next Christmas. The favourite host tree for mistletoe is apple but it can be grown successfully on other trees such poplars, limes, false acacias and hawthorn. Being parasitic mistletoe can reduce the yield potential of fruit trees, so it may be advantageous to use a non productive or ornamental tree as host.
The best time to “sow” mistletoe seed is in February and March. Ideally fresh berries should be obtained either from a local source or online from specialist suppliers. Alternatively berries can be stored in a cool shed from Christmas and rehydrated by soaking in water for a few hours. Squeeze the seeds out of the berries and apply to a suitable young branch 2 to 6cm in diameter, using the sticky goo from inside the berry to stick them onto the branch. The failure rate is quite high so try to apply at least 20 seeds at each location, and label them so you can remember where they are when you prune your tree!.The seeds germinate into tiny green scales by April and then most of the growth for the next 4 years occurs within the branch, after which time growth is rapid. Mistletoe is dioecious (separate male and female plants) so several plants will be required for successful pollination and subsequent berry production.
Much of our mistleoe is imported from France, and British mistletoe is increasingly scarce as old unproductive orchards are replaced with more intensive plantations. Back gardens could become an important sanctuary for this much loved Christmas symbol, so why not give it a try!