BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine

Take basal cuttings

-

We propagate delphinium­s by taking basal stem cuttings. Scraping soil a few centimetre­s down from the crown reveals embryonic shoots emerging from thicker parent plant tissue. Take cuttings when shoots are about 8-10cm long. Use a sharp knife and ensure thicker, basal material from the union with the parent is retained. Remove all but one or two leaves and clear the lower part of the stem of any protruding plant material, which could cause rot to set in. Make a final, straight cut through the thicker, basal tissue before inserting into a gritty or free-draining growing medium. Water and cover to retain moisture.

 ??  ?? Use a sharp knife when taking basal cuttings from delphinium­s
Use a sharp knife when taking basal cuttings from delphinium­s

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom