How to take cuttings from bedding plants

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Friday, 28 June 2019 at 2:33 pm

Increase your stock of bedding plants such as verbenas, by taking cuttings. We show you how.

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Bedding plants like verbenas root easily from cuttings. They can be placed in a tray on the windowsill with a clear polythene bag as a cover or kept in a propagator in the greenhouse. These cuttings are known as softwood cuttings, as they're taken from the soft new growth at the tips of shoots.

Softwood cuttings develop roots quickly and easily so it’s well worth taking some to make more of your favourite plants. Once they’ve formed a good flush of roots at the base, simply pot them into individual pots to grow on and use as free bedding plants the following year.

You Will Need

Verbena plants, or other bedding
Scissors, floral snips or secateurs
Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
A propagator or plastic bag

Step 1

How to take cuttings from bedding plants - taking cuttings

Choose strong nonflowering shoots from a healthily growing plant. Reduce them to 8-10cm long.

Step 2

How to take cuttings from bedding plants - removing the lower leaves

Remove the lower leaves, leaving the top ones. Pinch out the soft tip and trim the base just below a node.

Step 3

How to take cuttings from bedding plants - pushing the cuttings into the compost

Make a hole in the compost with a dibber and insert the cuttings. Firm them in, then soak thoroughly with tepid water. Place a plastic bag over the pot or place in a propagator to keep warm and moist.

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