There are several common methods to propagate plants, including:
- Propagation by seed: Collect seeds from plants and sow them to grow new plants. This is often done in spring and can be done indoors or outdoors depending on the plant requirements.
- Propagation by cuttings: Take a cutting from a healthy part of the parent plant, usually a stem with a few leaves and nodes. Make a diagonal cut below a node and place the cutting in water or a rooting medium until roots develop, then pot it up.
- Propagation by division: Divide clumps or rootballs of perennials and other plants into sections that can be replanted separately. This method rejuvenates the plant and is usually done in spring or autumn.
- Propagation by layering: Some plants naturally root when stems touch the soil. You can assist this process by fixing stems to soil to encourage rooting.
- Propagation from basal or root cuttings: Remove shoots or pieces of root to grow new plants.
- Propagation from offsets: Some plants produce small offsets that can be cut and replanted to grow new plants.
Key tips include using clean, sharp tools, taking cuttings with at least two nodes and leaves, cutting stems on an angle to encourage root development, and keeping the rooting medium moist but not soaking. Overall, propagation specifics depend on the plant type, so tailoring the method to the plant is beneficial. Propagation helps to clone plants and is an effective and economical way to increase plant numbers. These methods are well explained and detailed in resources from Gardeners' World, RHS Gardening, Patch Plants, and Stauffers of Kissel Hill, among others.
