Tusday 9th March 2010RHS Level 2 Certificate Propagation of Herbaceous Perennials Propagation can be defined as the methods by which plants are increased in number. Propagation may be carried out for the following reasons. Revitalise plants that have decline in vigour and flowering ability. Revitalise plants that have become old and congested. To increase stock. Maintain plant health.

Tusday 9th March 2010RHS Level 2 Certificate Propagation of Hardy Herbaceous Perennials Perennials can be propagated by: Root cuttings Division Seed Stem tip cuttings

Tusday 9th March 2010RHS Level 2 Certificate Root Cuttings Lift the plant and wash the roots Remove pencil thick roots close to the crown Trim roots into sections (5-10cm), making a straight cut to the top and a sloping cut to the end. Place cuttings into pots of cutting compost around the edge of the pot. Top-dress with grit, label and place in a cold frame When rooted pot up into loam based compost. Water label and place pots back into the cold frame. Plant out in the autumn.

Tusday 9th March 2010RHS Level 2 Certificate Root Cuttings For thin root cuttings cut roots into 8-13cm sections depending on the plant. Make a straight cut at both ends of the cuttings. Lay the cuttings approximately 2.5cm apart on a moist cuttings compost. Cover the cuttings with 5mm of compost and gently firm. Label and place in a cold frame. When new growth appears pot up cuttings individually into pots filled with standard potting compost. Water, label and go on until well established planting out in autumn or spring.

Tusday 9th March 2010RHS Level 2 Certificate Stem Tip Cuttings Select stem tips from the current seasons growth of about 7-12cm cutting below a leaf joint. Use non flowering shoots. Take cuttings with a sharp knife or secateurs Trim just below a leaf joint to a length of 5-7cm and remove the lower leaves to leave 2-3cm of bare stem. Insert 5-6 cuttings around the edge of a 7-10cm pot, water label and cover with a plastic bag supported by canes. Place cuttings out of direct sunlight. When rooted usually after 3-4 weeks pot up singly, water and label until well established. Plant out in autumn

Tusday 9th March 2010RHS Level 2 Certificate Basal Stem Cuttings Take cuttings in spring when new shoots are 3-5cm tall. Take cuttings with a sharp knife close to the base of the plant removing a small part of the woody basal tissue. Remove lower leaves and cut to a node making a straight cut. Insert 5-6 cuttings around the edge of a 7-10cm pot, water label and cover with a plastic bag supported by canes. Place cuttings out of direct sunlight. When rooted pot up cuttings into individual pots, water and label and grow on in a cold frame. Once established plant out in autumn or spring.

Tusday 9th March 2010RHS Level 2 Certificate Division Lift clump with a fork or spade Shake of excess soil or wash off with water. Divide the clump into smaller pieces by hand or knife. Discard old, woody parts of the, replanting vigorous portions with several new shoots.

Tusday 9th March 2010RHS Level 2 Certificate Seed Fill a tray with moist seed or multi-purpose compost. Level and gently firm the compost to 1cm below the rim of the tray Water the compost and allow to drain. Sprinkle the seed evenly over the surface of the compost, covering the seed with a fine layer of compost, vermicilite or sand. Place the tray in a clear polythene bag or cover with a sheet of glass or plastic to retain moisture. Place tray in a cold frame or sheltered position out of direct sunlight. When seedlings have developed two pairs of leaves pot up into small pots growing them on in a cold frame or sheltered position out of direct sunlight. Plant out when well established