Readers question: Michael, in Bishop Auckland, would like to know if it is possible to grow mistletoe. He has bought some sprigs from his local market which are covered in plump berries and thinks it would be a waste to try.

THE first rule of growing mistletoe is to disregard any advice you’ve heard or read that suggests hiding seeds under flaps cut into host bark. This is unnecessary and counter-productive. Mistletoe seeds need intact, healthy host bark plus light to grow.

Be prepared to be patient as mistletoe grows very slowly in the first four years, so it’ll be some time before you get a significant plant, but it grows very fast once it’s well established.

You will need a lot of berries to be sure of success, and you need to time it right, as success is much higher in February and March. Mistletoe cut at Christmas is not ideal, but berries can be kept fresh by detaching them and leaving them in a shed until mid February.

In February, if the berries have been stored, rehydrate them for a few hours in a little water. Whether fresh or stored, the seed needs to be squeezed out of the berry, along with a quantity of the sticky viscin. Collect several sticky seeds on your fingers.

Choose your host, bearing in mind European mistletoe most likes apple trees, then poplars and limes and then hawthorn. Remember also that mistletoe is a parasite and will affect the growth of the branch it is on and, on apple, will reduce fruit yield.

Contrary to lore, avoid older branches with fissured bark and trunk.

Choose young branches, from one to two inches in. Transfer the seeds you stuck on your hand onto the branch.

It’s very easy to forget which branch you used, so tie a simple label on. Try to plant as many as possible, as germination is easy, but many will later die or be eaten by birds.

Remember that mistletoe, like holly, is diocieous, which means that each plant will be either male or female.

This means you’ll need at least two plants for berries – a boy and a girl.

By March/April, your seeds should be germinating. Those that haven’t been eaten should begin to swell on the branches.

In the second year, your surviving seedling stems will start to grow and in year three you’ll probably get some proper leaves. After the third year, the mistletoe plant will start to grow much more rapidly. Each branch doubles in number so that by year four the seedlings will be just about to start their growth spurt.

It’s worth a shot as you have nothing to lose, and if all goes well, the person that you had your eye on when you bought the mistletoe will be by your side as you harvest your first crop in ten years’ time.

■ Brigid presents the BBC Tees Gardening show on Sundays from 1pm to 2pm. Questions can be answered on the day by emailing brigidpress@bbc.co.uk anytime during the week, texting 07786- 200995 or phoning 01642-225511 during the show. Written letters can be addressed to Lazy Dayz, 10 Farm Road, Houghall, Durham, DH1 3SF.