STEP BY STEP

Propagate oriental poppies

Take root cuttings from oriental poppies at the end of the month as they start to go dormant. Dig up a clump to create the cuttings; what is left of the clump can be replanted or left to dry, and added to compost.

1 SELECT the thickest roots and clean the soil off them. Use a knife to cut them off close to the crown.

2 TRIM each cutting to 3-4cm and make an angled cut on the end that was closest to the crown. The angled side should face up once the cuttings are inserted into soil.

3 FILL a tray with gritty compost and firm it well. Press cuttings into the compost vertically, with the top just showing. Ensure they are evenly spaced, at least 2cm apart.

4 COVER the cuttings with a 1cm layer of washed horticultural grit. Water the tray then place in a cold frame, or somewhere protected, until the cuttings shoot next spring. VISIT gardenersworld. com/propagation for more advice on taking cuttings