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| Basal cuttings |
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A basal shoot is a non flowering shoot that grows at the base of the plant as shown here.
With herbaceous perennials, use new shoots and don't remove the shoot tip.
Scrape the soil away from the outside of the crowns and carefully detach a group of new shoots approx 50-75mm (2"-3") long
Trim off stem under lowest leaf and remove all dead or damaged growth before inserting cuttings into sandy compost.
If a cutting becomes detached with roots on, leave them intact, and the cutting will establish itself quicker, this is known as an 'Irishman's cutting'
Fill a tray or pot with sieved compost, do not compact it, just tap it gently on the bench, and soak it thoroughly with water.
Sprinkle about 3mm (1/8") of silver sand over the compost.
Cut off 2” (50mm) long new shoots from under a leaf node (joint), remove lower leaves to expose approx 1” (25mm) of stem.
Dip cutting in rooting powder/fluid (optional)
Insert the cutting into the compost.
Place the tray in a warm place, preferably with bottom heat.
A soil temperature of around 16°C (60°F) and a minimum air temperature of 4°C (40°F) is ideal.
Give the cuttings plenty of light, but ensure that they are not scorched by direct sunlight.
Spray cuttings at least once per day with either fresh water or a fungicide mixture to prevent dehydration.
A sign that they have rooted is, the growing tip will be a ‘fresh’ green colour.
Pot on into 75 mm (3") pots of potting compost when rooted.
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