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NIGEL COLBORN’S ESSENTIAL JOBS FOR YOUR GARDEN THIS WEEK
This is an excellent time for taking root cuttings. Most gardeners take root and stem cuttings. But, with this technique, the plants are developed from small pieces of root.
The method works with lots of plants, from delicate little Alpines to monster perennial poppies. it works best with thick- rooted perennials, especially those that are difficult to divide.
Root cuttings may be the only way to propagate certain named varieties of mullein (pictured right), anchusa, drumstick primulas and other plants.
To take root cuttings, dig up a mature parent plant. shake off the soil and cut away several lengths of the thicker roots. Leave enough root attached to the donor variety if you want to re-plant it. And don’t worry if the severed roots vary in thickness — they’ll all take.
Cut each section into short lengths. ideal length varies depending on the plant, but none need exceed 8cm to 10cm. With roots thicker than a pencil, cut the lower part at an angle, so you know which end is which. insert those vertically into a pot filled with growing medium. They must be fully buried and can be several to a pot.
Lay thinner roots horizontally onto the growing medium, before covering them with a further layer.
Water all pots and place them in a cold frame, under greenhouse staging or somewhere sheltered from weather extremes. Keep them moist.
shoots will emerge in spring. When they do, pot the baby plants up and grow them on.