Enlarge Your Garden by Taking Cuttings

Have some plants you just love and want to pass on to friends? Are there flowers and shrubs you'd like to see in other parts of your garden?

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Have some plants you just love and want to pass on to friends? Are there flowers and shrubs you’d like to see in other parts of your garden? One way to enlarge your garden, either by increasing its range or spreading it to friends, is by propagation.

There are three ways to propagate plants: by seeds, by cuttings and by roots. All three methods are “easy” if you follow certain guidelines for each and don’t rush the process.

The one plant I can reproduce with my eyes closed is geraniums. I’m forever hacking them back and sticking the cuttings in jars and glasses of water or in soil and keeping it very moist. Granted geraniums aren’t part of the perennial palette in gardens here, but the process is similar.

The goal of regenerating plants by taking cuttings is to get roots going quickly before the top growth weakens.

There are two types of cuttings:

  • Hardwood cuttings are taken from dormant plants in early spring
  • Softwood cuttings are taken from new growth during a plant’s prime

Hints for cutting

  • Take wood from plant parts that haven’t grown in the shade for more durability
  • Young wood is easier to root quicker
  • Cut hardwood stems bigger than 1/4-inch around and 6 inches long
  • Snip softwood cuttings from new growth about 6 to 8 inches from the tip.

Planting

  • After cutting and before planting, dip tips in a rooting solution
  • Stick hardwood cuttings direct into the garden in a well-prepared area.
  • Stick softwood cuttings into a container of potting mix; and keep humidity high by sprinkling/misting lightly
  • Keep cuttings tall and straight

Time frame

  • Softwood cuttings will root in two to three weeks
  • Hardwood cuttings will take in about three to six months

If you’re a gardener ready for a challenge, taking cuttings is one way to do this. For more detailed information, see Judith Phillips book “Southwestern Landscaping with Native Plants.” She gives good instructions with helpful photos.