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