Growing curly willow from branches?

Hello,

I recently picked up some curly willow branches with the intent of planting. I usually see them dried for ornamental purposes, but the live ones were about 3 pounds a bunch and I hear they grow very quickly in sunny conditions as long as the soil holds moisture.

From what I have read regarding planting, I am to keep them in water until the roots have formed then pot. I'm hoping to plant one of them in the ground and the others in pots; then move them when I figure out where exactly I want them to be.





They've been in the water for a day, as you can see the roots are growing quickly on the closest one. 2 of them are 3-branch bunches, and the other a single branch. Should I plant the 3 branches together or separate them so I'll have 3 individual plants? (and 7 plants in total) I thought perhaps the roots may interfere with each other. If that is the case, then I suppose I should separate the branches while they're in the water.

Your advice would be very much appreciated, thankyou
Bigyouth

 

Also, should I cut the branches down at all?