Gardening Australia – September 2019

44 SEPTEMBER 2019 GARDENING AUSTRALIA

skill

It’s hugely satisfying to be able to

multiply your stock of plants yourself,

and to share plants with others.

1. Buy a good quality seed-raising mix or
   make some from equal parts of coir peat,
   compost, coarse river sand and perlite. This
   holds moisture and provides air around the
   cutting. Fill a pot with mix, and water well.


2. If you’re a beginner, start with something
   easy, such as geraniums. Cut off a fresh
   length of stem towards the growing tip that
   is firm, not floppy. It needs to be just hard
   enough that when you bend it, it will snap.
   This is called a semi-hardwood cutting,
   which is taken during the growing season.


3. This cutting has older wood at the base,
   which I’ve included because it gives the
   cutting a firmer base that’s less prone to
   rotting. It’s not essential, though. Trim just
   below the leaf joint, where roots will form.


4. Trim the top of the cutting just above a
   leaf joint, so it’s about 10cm long. Remove
   leaves, bar one or two at the tip, to reduce
   moisture loss while it establishes roots.


5. Dip the base of the cutting into some
   hormone rooting powder or liquid, which
   you’ll find at a nursery, or a little honey.
   This stimulates root development.


6. Use a stick to poke a few holes into the
   seed-raising mix, and insert the cuttings.


7. Water in, and cover with a plastic bag to
   maintain humidity. Place in a warm, shaded
   spot. When roots develop, pot them up.

HOW TO

TAKE A CUTTING

1 2

(^45)
7
3
6