As the summer heatwaves give way to the crispness of autumn, it's time to embrace the season's bounty and prepare for the coming colder months. One of the best ways to do this is by taking cuttings from your garden's healthy growth, allowing you to create new plants for free. We spoke to Richard Barker, a horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture, for some top tips on which plants to prioritize and how to take cuttings.
Geraniums
Geraniums are a great choice for taking cuttings. Richard advises cutting healthy stems just above a leaf joint on the main stem, ensuring the cutting is around 10cm long. Remove any flower buds and leaves from the bottom half, and cut the stem just below a node. While dipping the base in a rooting hormone is beneficial, it's not essential. Insert the cuttings into pots of compost, water them, and place them in a well-lit indoor spot. After a few weeks, a callus will form, and roots will begin to grow, typically within six to eight weeks.
Fuchsias
Fuchsias are another excellent option for cuttings. Richard recommends selecting healthy stems and removing a few-centimetre section with a sharp knife. Remove lower leaves and side shoots, then cut below the leaf joint. Place the cuttings in a pot of compost and water well. Cover them with a propagator or a sealed plastic bag, keeping them on a warm windowsill out of direct sunlight. Once new growth appears, remove the lid or bag. After a few weeks, you can pot them up into individual pots.
Salvias
Salvias are also suitable for cuttings. Take an 8cm cutting from a non-flowering stem, removing lower leaves and reducing the surface area of the remaining leaves by cutting them in half along the central vein. Trim the stem just below a leaf node and insert it into a pot of pre-watered compost. Cover the potted cuttings with a clear plastic bag, ensuring it doesn't touch the foliage. Place them in a cool greenhouse with shading to protect from strong sunlight. After about three weeks, the cuttings should be ready to pot on.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are a bit more specific when it comes to cuttings. Richard explains that semi-ripe cuttings are ideal, meaning they are from the current season's growth but have a woody base and soft tips. Choose healthy, non-flowering shoots 10-15cm long with at least two pairs of leaves below the top set. Trim just below a node, remove lower leaf sets, and cut remaining leaves in half to reduce moisture loss. Insert the cuttings into small pots of gritty compost, firming them well and soaking with water.
By following these steps, you can easily propagate your garden's healthy growth, ensuring a vibrant and thriving garden come spring.
