Re: Starting cuttings???
- To: propagation@mallorn.com
- Subject: Re: Starting cuttings???
- From: J*@aol.com
- Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2000 15:22:57 EST
In a message dated 03/18/2000 3:03:42 PM Eastern Standard Time,
WHTROS@aol.com writes:
<< Can any of you please, please, please give me some advice on what I should
do
differently. >>
I'll share a bit of wisdom that I've picked up along the way.
1. Take tip cuttings only. 3-4 leaf nodes. CUT off all of the lower leaves
except for the uppermost set. (If these are large, only leave the newly
emerging leaves and ONE large leaf.)
2. Rooting hormone is NOT necessary, whatsoever. Commercial folks don't use
it-including myself.
3. Use a SOILLESS mix that is high in PERLITE ( not vermiculite --which has
high water holding capacity. This is the opposite of what geraniums need.
They want free draining soil)
4. It's not necessary to start cuttings in large pots. In fact, I find that
the smaller the container, the better they root. Used cellpacks from
annuals, make wonderful nursery containers.
5. There are differing opinions on bottom heat. I've never used it, and
have percentages in the upper nineties in successful cuttings.
6. And most importantly, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT over water the cuttings.
They will rot before you walk away.
7. I add slow release fertilizer, in the soil, at the time of sticking. It
makes a world of difference, in my experience.
Karen Ernst :-)
Variations Greenhouse & Nursery ~
Featuring large collections of Coleus, Iris, and Scented Geraniums
<A HREF="http://www.variationsgreenhouse.com/">www.variationsgreenhouse.com</A
>
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