Growing Flowers from Cuttings

Growing flowers from cuttings is a cost-effective and rewarding way to expand your garden. Many common garden flowers can be propagated this way, including roses, geraniums, and begonias. Here is a Hong Kong Florist guide to get you started:

Selecting Cuttings

Choose healthy, disease-free plant material from the current growing season. Aim for 4-6 inch stem sections with several leaf nodes. Make clean cuts just below a leaf node using sharp, sterile scissors or a knife.

Rooting the Cuttings

Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix or a mixture of peat moss and perlite. Water thoroughly and place in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight.

Caring for Cuttings

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Cover the container with a plastic bag or propagator lid to maintain humidity. Check regularly and remove any dead or dying leaves. After 4-6 weeks, tug gently on the cuttings to check for root development.

Transplanting

Once the cuttings have developed a healthy root system, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden. Acclimate them gradually to their new environment by removing the cover for increasing periods of time.

With patience and the right conditions, you can successfully grow a wide variety of flowers from cuttings. This method is not only cost-effective, but also allows you to propagate your favourite plants.

Botanical Guide: Flowers to Grow from Cuttings

Growing flowers from cuttings is a rewarding and cost-effective way to expand your garden. Many popular blooms can be propagated this way, allowing you to multiply your favourite plants. Here is a guide to some of the best flowers to grow from cuttings:

Geraniums (Pelargonium)

Geraniums are classic cottage garden favourites that root easily from stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings just below a leaf node, remove the lower leaves, and plant in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist until new growth appears.

Fuchsias

These delicate, hanging basket plants can be readily grown from tip cuttings. Take 3-4 inch cuttings just above a leaf node, remove the lower leaves, and plant in a soilless potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist.

Begonias

Both wax and fibrous-rooted begonias can be propagated from leaf or stem cuttings. For leaf cuttings, use a sharp knife to cut healthy leaves into sections with a vein, and plant these sections upright in moist potting mix.

Coleus

The vibrant foliage of coleus makes it a popular choice for containers and borders. Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings, remove the lower leaves, and root them in a soilless medium. Provide bright, indirect light.

Lavender

This fragrant herb roots easily from softwood cuttings in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Use 4-6 inch cuttings, remove the lower leaves, and plant in well-draining soil.

With the right techniques, you can successfully propagate many types of flowers from cuttings. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools and a sterile, well-draining potting medium for best results.