Delphinium cuttings


This is a reminder that early spring is a great time for taking 
cuttings of your favourite delphinium varieties. Young shoots grow 
quickly at this time of year and depending on your location, could 
well be ready to take. Those of you who grow "English Type Hybrids" 
could well have some fine plants well worth propagating.

Delphinium cuttings need a little special care and the correct 
technique. The following is taken from the "cuttings" 
information on our website http://delphinium.co.nz

"The best time to take cuttings is in the early spring when the new
shoots are about 2 - 3 inches long but they can be taken right after
the first summer flowering. This will have the advantage of thinning
out the second flush and give you a little practice for the main event
but be warned, you will have to find a really cool place.

When taking cuttings, it is vitally important to get right down to the
base of the shoot and include some of the hard brown callus material
you find there. You will probably see some tiny crown buds at the base
of the shoot. It is a good idea to leave a few of these on the cutting
too as it ensures fast formation of secondary growth on the new plant.

Clean and trim (in that order) the base of the cutting and place in a
jar with about a half to 1 inch of water or alternatively in an airy
rooting medium,(my much prefered method) taking care to keep moist,
cool and humid. Be careful with temperature and do not be tempted to
give the cuttings bottom heat or they will rot. It is best to keep
them as cool as possible, say 50 - 55 deg F. Do not be alarmed if the
tops yellow, just keep the cutting mix lightly moist. After 3-4 weeks
you will find roots forming. the new plants may be potted up as soon
as the roots are, say, 2-3 cm long."

There are photographs of the process at 
http://delphinium.co.nz/cuttings.htm where you can also find many 
other culture notes and hybrid seed for sale.

Terry Dowdeswell
18 Henderson Ave
Tuakau, New Zealand
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Terry@delphinium.co.nz
http://www.delphinium.co.nz
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