Deirdre - The Compulsive Gardener Monday, 18 June 2012
Hi Joanne - I think you could try a hardwood cutting now. It may take a while to strike. You could also try a softwood cutting in spring. There are various preparations you can buy from nurseries that are said to help cuttings to strike. Some people dip the end of the cutting in honey - worth a try! Use an open, well-drained propagating mix - my preference is for hydrated coco-peat mixed with a clay-based kitty litter or vermiculate. Some people use coarse sand. Keep the cuttings in a shaded place and water regularly.
Joanne - 6081 Tuesday, 19 June 2012
thanks i will give it a go :-)
Lyn - 2565 Sunday, 08 July 2012
Deidre, thanks for the info on using Kitty Litter. I know a lady who uses a No Frills brand of kitty litter around the base of her plants to stop the snails climbing the stems!
When you say a hydrated coco-peat mix, is that the oblong blocks you buy and soak in water? I might give that method a go for my cuttings as I have been using coarse sand. I also use honey on my cuttings when I run out of the commercial gel.