Propagating some of your own plants from seeds or from cuttings is a great way to save money and to reduce your carbon footprint.
Expert Chris Trimmer, Nursery Supervisor at the Trust’s Plant Conservation Project at Knightshayes Court shares his tips on raising your own plants in this extract from the book Gardening Secrets from National Trust Head Gardeners
Sowing annual seeds
Annual seeds should be planted from January to March or April. The tools you will require are:
- 7cm (23/4in) pot/seed tray
- compost (50:50 mix fine grade coir and propagation bark)
- label and pencil
- propagator.
Method
- Use a pot/tray that is suitable for the amount of seed you have
- Fill your container to about three-quarters full (do not skimp on compost)
- Use another pot or wooden press to make a level, slightly firm surface
- Sow your seeds evenly onto the surface
- Use a fine sieve to just cover the seeds
- Label your seeds
- Place in a bowl of water to soak until the surface looks wet
- Place in a propagator with bottom heat set on 21°C (70°F) (do not allow to dry out)
They should germinate within two weeks
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Softwood cuttings
Softwood cuttings can be taken between February and October. The tools you require for the job are:
- safety razor blade
- secateurs
- cuttings compost or peat free plugs (50:50 mix fine grade coir peat or propagation bark)
- rooting powder
- labels
- plastic bag
- propagator
The type of material you require for your cutting should be:
- pest and disease free
- juvenile material (fresh new growth)
- true to type (i.e. if it’s variegated, make sure the cutting is variegated)
- at least 5–8cm (2–3in) long
Method
- Use a plastic bag – damp inside to stop your cuttings drying out
- Look over the plant you want to propagate. Check the material – if it’s too soft leave it for a few days and try again. It is best if the stem is slightly firm to the touch
- Use secateurs to cut just above a leaf joint. The cutting should be 5–8cm (2–3in) long. Place in the bag
- Try and prepare them as soon as possible
- Remove from the bag. Use your safety razor blade to make the first cut just below a leaf joint 5–8cm (2–3in) from the top of the cutting. Make sure it’s a flat, clean cut
- Remove some of the leaves further up the stem, leaving the buds intact. Remove enough leaves to insert a good 2.5cm (1in) into the plug/compost
- Gather the leaves at the top together and cut in half. This reduces water loss from the cutting
- Insert the base of the cutting into hormone rooting powder. Tap off any excess
- Insert the cutting gently into the plug/compost
- Water in and label
- Place in a humid atmosphere with bottom heat set at 21°C (70°F). A small electric propagator is fine. Keep out of direct sunlight and mist several times a day
- They should start to root within two weeks. You can usually tell when they start to show signs of growing. Don’t be tempted though, to pot them on straight away. Your new plants have been used to the good life and have to be weaned gradually by slowly opening the vents and letting the outside world in. This process should take a week or so
- Finally, after about three to four weeks you can gently pot up your new plants and reflect on the fact that you have a new plant without a trip to a garden centre
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