Preparing Austrian Grey White willow

23 July 2026

Soaking Austrian Grey white willow 

A soaking bag is one of the easiest ways to prepare willow. Once the rods have finished soaking, simply drain the water and leave the willow to mellow in the bag. Our heavy-duty soaking bags are available in a range of lengths and widths and are supplied with easy-to-follow instructions.

Alternatively, willow can be soaked in a bath, trough or old paddling pool. Always use clean water and make sure the rods remain fully submerged. Be careful if using a household bath, as the tannins released during soaking may stain the surface.

The table below gives typical soaking and mellowing times for both Black Maul white willow and Austrian Grey white willow. These are intended as a guide. Water temperature, rod thickness and storage conditions will all affect the exact timings, so always judge the willow by how it bends rather than relying solely on the clock.

Why does Austrian Grey white willow need longer to mellow?

If you’ve worked with white willow before, you’ll probably be familiar with Black Maul. It is the white willow we stock for most of the year and, for many basket makers, it has become the benchmark for preparing white willow.

Occasionally, Austrian Grey white willow becomes available. At first glance, the two varieties look remarkably similar. Once stripped, both produce smooth, pale rods of a similar thickness and colour, so it is easy to assume they can be prepared in exactly the same way.

In reality, this is where many people come unstuck.

Austrian Grey white willow behaves differently

Although Austrian Grey white willow and Black Maul white willow are both soaked in much the same way, Austrian Grey benefits from a much longer mellowing period.

Many people naturally assume that if the rods still feel a little firm after soaking, the answer is simply to leave them in the water for longer. With Austrian Grey, this is rarely the best solution.

Instead, drain the rods thoroughly and give them more time to mellow.

During mellowing, moisture gradually moves through the rod until the centre becomes fully pliable. This produces a rod that bends cleanly and evenly during weaving. Trying to achieve the same result by extending the soak is far more likely to leave the rods slimy than improve their flexibility.

If you’re new to willow preparation, our guide to How to mellow willow explains the mellowing process in more detail.

Don’t worry if it looks dry

One of the things that catches people out is that Austrian Grey white willow often looks as though it has dried out after two days of mellowing.

Don’t be tempted to soak it again.

Although the surface may appear quite dry, the moisture inside the rod has continued to equalise. Pick up a rod and bend it. If it feels supple and bends cleanly, it is ready to use.

This surprises many people the first time they work with Austrian Grey white willow , but it is perfectly normal.

The weather makes a difference

Like all willow, preparation times vary throughout the year.

In winter, colder water and lower temperatures slow the movement of moisture, so both soaking and mellowing can take longer.

During warmer weather, the process speeds up and Austrian Grey white willow usually prepares more quickly. A light misting over the rods while they are mellowing may be beneficial, particularly in hot or drying conditions, and it is always worth keeping the willow as cool as possible. Take care not to over-wet the mellowing blanket/Hessian sheet, however, as excessive moisture can leave the rods with a slimy surface and a dull, grey appearance.

Once you begin weaving, Austrian Grey white willow also tends to dry out faster than many basket makers expect. Keep a plant mister or spray bottle close by and lightly mist both the willow and your work often and generously. If you’re making a larger basket, it is often worth working in sections rather than exposing the whole basket to the air. This helps the rods you’ve yet to weave stay in good condition for longer.

You’ll find more practical advice in our guide to Working with bark-off willow in hot weather.

Whatever the season, Austrian Grey white willow almost always requires a longer mellowing period than Black Maul white, so resist the temptation to compensate by extending the soak. Instead, allow the willow the extra time it needs to mellow naturally.

For further information on both Austrian Grey white willow and Black Maul white willow, see our guide to White willow soaking times and tips.

How long should Austrian Grey white willow mellow?

As a general guide, Black Maul usually requires around one day of mellowing.

Austrian Grey typically benefits from around two days.

These timings are only a guide. Water temperature, rod thickness, storage conditions and the maturity of the willow all play a part. Rather than relying solely on the clock, learn to judge the rods by how they bend in your hands.