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| Propagating Suckers |
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Normally the gardener will treat suckers as a nuisance but these can sometimes be used to make new plants by planting them in the garden or by potting them up.
Week 15 onwards; Suckers removed now will have the rest of the season to establish.
When collecting the sucker/s firstly loosen the soil around it with a hand-fork, and then carefully lift the sucker, being careful not to disturb the parent plant.
Sever the sucker with a sharp knife, ensuring that it comes away with some roots attached.
Replace and firm the soil around the parent plant.
Tidy up the sucker by trimming off the main root back to the fibrous roots.
Reduce long, leafy shoots by about half to limit dehydration.
Place in a nursery bed where the soil is free-draining and enriched with organic matter.
Alternatively; pot up into a suitable sized pot of multipurpose compost.
Water in well after firming the soil around the roots.
Do not allow the plant to dry out in its first season.
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