|
Propogation |
Seminal Propogation is growing from seed. This is the only way of propogating annuals and biennials. Stored seed should be kept in a cool ventilated place with a fairly even temperature. As a general rule seeds should be sown at twice their own depth into moist soil, and can be direct sown where they will grow or in seed trays or pots for later transplanting or potting on - the best method will depend on the type of seed.
Vegetative Propogation is multiplying plants by means other than seed. The benefit of this is the plant will be true to type, while plants grown from seed can vary from the parent plant.
The runners of strawberries or lawns are examples of natural vegetative propogation, as is the layering of plants that can occur when lower branches or stems rest on the ground and take root. Other plants like bulbs naturally divide themselves leaving us to simply separate the clumps when they become congested.
Plant division, layering, cuttings, budding and grafting are all vegetative propogation methods. The desired outcome and the type of plant and season will determine the best method of propogation.
DIVISION is the easiest and quickest form of propogation - clumping plants can be lifted and divided and then replanted or potted up. Perennial plants that become overcrowed will generally benefit from division every few years.
LAYERING is quite easy but will take some time. Make a small slanting cut in the underside of a branch, ending the cut at a node. Bend the branch to the ground and cover with soil, anchoring the branch in some way (a diagonal stake, a stone or loop of wire). When roots have formed cut away from the parent plant. If a branch won't bend to the ground then bend into a raised pot of soil.
CUTTINGS are taken from stem, leaf or root. Most cuttings strike best in temperatures of 20-25C so should be kept in shade, and need to be kept humid but ventilated. Softwood cuttings are taken in spring from the green shoots in active growth. Cut at an angle below a node or leaf axil. Remove lower leaves, and halve any larger leaves. Hardwood cuttings are taken in winter from deciduous trees or shrubs while they are dormant.
Plant cuttings as soon as possible in most cases (very sappy plants are an exception and shoud be given time to begin to heal over). Plant into a seedraising mix or other special propogation mix instead of normal potting mixes. Cuttings can be dipped into a hormone power, or honey which will help prevent disease and promote root development. Poke (dibble) holes in the soil and insert the cuttings about 1/3 of their length, firming the mix around them. Crowding a number of cuttings together and around the edge of the pot will give better results.
BUDDING and GRAFTING involve the union of one plant cutting with stem or branch of another. This can be a delicate and complicated process, but that's not always a reason not to try. |
E-Garden News Pages: 1
|
|
