|
I grow the cuttings in 2 1/4" pots--32 to a standard tray. Each pot is filled with a soilless growing medium. A hole is made in the medium about the size of the stem of the cutting--a pencil works very well. I then put the cutting in the hole, press the medium firmly around the cutting, and water it very well. Since the cutting has no roots, it is important that the soil be wet. Never let the soil dry out. Next, label the cutting with the date and the name of the variety (cultivar). |
|
||||
|
When I have taken a tray of cuttings, a plastic cover is immediately placed over the top of the tray and it is placed under the lights. The cover keeps the humidity up and the lights keep the plants from getting tall and spindly. I use four foot shop lights with cool white fluorescent tubes. |
|
||||
|
Roots will develop within 1 to 4 weeks depending on the variety. Once the top of the cutting begins to grow, it has usually put out roots. I then remove the plastic cover allowing more light directly on the cuttings. When the cuttings are well rooted, they are taken outside and put in a cold frame. I don't have room inside for all the plants and they need sunlight. If the weather turns very cold (below freezing) the plants are temporarily taken inside. Whenever the temperature is above freezing, the plants are left in the cold frame. The plants are fed "Miracle Grow" as soon as they are taken to the cold frame. Using this procedure, my success rate with cuttings is about 85 percent. I hope my explanations have been clear and helpful. Good Luck!...Calvin Cook |
|
||||
