propagate PERENNIALS g e PERENNIALS

Multiply your favourite soft-wooded perennials such as dianthus (above), salvia, daisies, agastache and lamb’s ears by taking cuttings from new growth. Get some small pots ready, filled with moist potting or seed-raising mix, then take healthy tip cuttings about 10cm long and remove all but the top few leaves. Dip each base into propagating hormone powder or gel, then create one hole per pot with a pencil, and insert each cutting. Water gently and move into a bright but shaded spot. If possible, cover each pot with a plastic bag or bottle to retain moisture. In a month or so, give the plants a tug to see if they’ve developed roots; once they have, transplant into a larger pot or garden bed, or give them away.