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Taking Cuttings for the Winter By: Mary Welch-Keesey Late summer is the perfect time to take cuttings from annuals and herbs. Impatiens, coleus, geraniums, wax begonias, and such unusual annuals as licorice plant and polka dot plant are easily propagated by cuttings. Plants grown from cuttings of rosemary, thyme, and oregano can provide a midwinter harvest of fresh herbs. To propagate these plants by cuttings, follow the steps shown below. For best results, water the plant the night before you take the cuttings and have a pot of damp, soilless potting mix ready. Over the winter, grow these plants in a bright window or under fluorescent lights. They can be planted out next spring once the weather warms.
Step 1: Cut off a stem tip 4-6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the lower one-half to two-thirds of the stem. If the remaining leaves are large, cut them in half. (Figure 1)
Step 2: Apply rooting hormone to the base of the stem. This chemical is available from any good garden center. (Figure 2)
Step 3: Place the cutting in the mix. Several cuttings can be placed in one pot. (Figure 3)
Step 4: Cover the pot with a plastic bag. If necessary, use wooden stakes or straws to keep the plastic off the leaves. Place the pot in a bright spot or under fluorescent lights, but be careful that the cuttings do not overheat. Once roots form (usually in 2-6 weeks), transplant each cutting into its own pot. (Figure 4)
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Figure 1: Figure 2: Figure 3: Figure 4: |
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is specific to the state of Indiana and may not apply in other states.
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