Transcript Propagation of Herbaceous Perennials

Propagation of Herbaceous
Perennials
Propagation can be defined as the methods by
which plants are increased in number.
Propagation may be carried out for the following
reasons.
• Revitalise plants that have decline in vigour and
flowering ability.
• Revitalise plants that have become old and
congested.
• To increase stock.
• Maintain plant health.
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RHS Level 2 Certificate
Propagation of Hardy Herbaceous
Perennials
• Perennials can be propagated by:
Root cuttings
Division
Seed
Stem tip cuttings
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RHS Level 2 Certificate
Root Cuttings
• Lift the plant and wash the roots
• Remove pencil thick roots close to the crown
• Trim roots into sections (5-10cm), making a straight cut
to the top and a sloping cut to the end.
• Place cuttings into pots of cutting compost around the
edge of the pot.
• Top-dress with grit, label and place in a cold frame
• When rooted pot up into loam based compost. Water
label and place pots back into the cold frame.
• Plant out in the autumn.
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RHS Level 2 Certificate
Root Cuttings
• For thin root cuttings cut roots into 8-13cm sections
depending on the plant.
• Make a straight cut at both ends of the cuttings.
• Lay the cuttings approximately 2.5cm apart on a moist
cuttings compost.
• Cover the cuttings with 5mm of compost and gently firm.
• Label and place in a cold frame.
• When new growth appears pot up cuttings individually
into pots filled with standard potting compost.
• Water, label and go on until well established planting out
in autumn or spring.
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RHS Level 2 Certificate
Stem Tip Cuttings
• Select stem tips from the current seasons growth of
about 7-12cm cutting below a leaf joint. Use non
flowering shoots. Take cuttings with a sharp knife or
secateurs
• Trim just below a leaf joint to a length of 5-7cm and
remove the lower leaves to leave 2-3cm of bare stem.
• Insert 5-6 cuttings around the edge of a 7-10cm pot,
water label and cover with a plastic bag supported by
canes.
• Place cuttings out of direct sunlight.
• When rooted usually after 3-4 weeks pot up singly, water
and label until well established.
• Plant out in autumn
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Basal Stem Cuttings
• Take cuttings in spring when new shoots are 3-5cm
tall. Take cuttings with a sharp knife close to the
base of the plant removing a small part of the woody
basal tissue.
• Remove lower leaves and cut to a node making a
straight cut.
• Insert 5-6 cuttings around the edge of a 7-10cm pot,
water label and cover with a plastic bag supported
by canes.
• Place cuttings out of direct sunlight.
• When rooted pot up cuttings into individual pots,
water and label and grow on in a cold frame.
• Once established plant out in autumn or spring.
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Division
• Lift clump with a fork or spade
• Shake of excess soil or wash off with water.
• Divide the clump into smaller pieces by hand or
knife.
• Discard old, woody parts of the, replanting
vigorous portions with several new shoots.
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RHS Level 2 Certificate
Seed
• Fill a tray with moist seed or multi-purpose compost.
Level and gently firm the compost to 1cm below the rim
of the tray
• Water the compost and allow to drain.
• Sprinkle the seed evenly over the surface of the
compost, covering the seed with a fine layer of compost,
vermicilite or sand.
• Place the tray in a clear polythene bag or cover with a
sheet of glass or plastic to retain moisture.
• Place tray in a cold frame or sheltered position out of
direct sunlight.
• When seedlings have developed two pairs of leaves pot
up into small pots growing them on in a cold frame or
sheltered position out of direct sunlight.
• Plant out when well established
Tusday 9th March 2010
RHS Level 2 Certificate