How to Propagate Plants from Semi-Ripe Cuttings in Autumn
Introduction
Autumn is a great time to propagate plants from semi-ripe cuttings. Semi-ripe cuttings are made from stems that are woody at the base and soft at the tip. This hard base makes the cuttings less likely to rot, and autumn hormone levels are high, so plants should root and grow well.
Best Plants for Semi-Ripe Cuttings
Some of the best plants to take semi-ripe cuttings from in autumn include:
- Salvias
- Culinary sage
- Phlomis
- Box
- Rosemary
- Penstemons
- Lavender
How to Take Semi-Ripe Cuttings
To take semi-ripe cuttings, follow these steps:
- Choose a healthy stem that is woody at the base and soft at the tip.
- Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle, just below a leaf node.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom 2-3 inches of the stem.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone.
- Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moist potting mix.
- Keep the cutting in a warm, humid place until it roots.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips for success when propagating plants from semi-ripe cuttings:
- Use sharp, clean shears to make the cuttings.
- Take cuttings in the morning when the plants are well-hydrated.
- Keep the cuttings moist but not soggy.
- Provide the cuttings with plenty of light.
- Be patient! It can take several weeks for the cuttings to root.
Specific Plant Instructions
Here are some specific instructions for taking semi-ripe cuttings of some of the plants mentioned above:
- Salvias: Take cuttings from non-flowering stems.
- Culinary sage: Take cuttings from young, non-flowering shoots.
- Phlomis: Take cuttings from non-flowering stems.
- Box: Take cuttings from non-flowering stems.
- Rosemary: Take cuttings from non-flowering stems.
- Penstemons: Take cuttings from non-flowering stems.
- Lavender: Take cuttings from non-flowering stems.
Conclusion
Propagating plants from semi-ripe cuttings is a great way to get new plants for your garden for free. It’s also a fun and rewarding experience. With a little care and attention, you can successfully propagate many different types of plants from semi-ripe cuttings.
