Tag: Propagation

CROWN DIVISION One simple and reliable method for propagating plants at home is crown division. As a general rule, plants that flower in the spring and early summer should be divided in late summer or fall. Those flowering in the summer and fall should be divided in early spring before new growth begins. For crown division of herbaceous plants, such as irises, the clumps should be carefully lifted and some soil removed from the roots. The crown may then be cut into sections with a knife or other sharp tool. Individual shoots that contain roots may be used to form new plants, or if a larger plant is desired, several shoots may be left together. In large, old crowns, it is often best to discard the older, center portions and replant the young, more vigorous shoots that have developed on the edges of the clump. Table 1: Some common perennials…

There are many reasons to propagate plants but the basic reason is simply to make multiple plants from a single plant that is unique, attractive, or has become old and leggy. Of course, propagation can be for sentimental reasons because it grew in grandmother’s garden. It is not possible to cover all the propagation techniques in one article but there are many reference books on the topic, some of which are given at the end of the article. PLANT PROPAGATION METHODS Sexual Propagation: This is the method of reproduction that yields new plants from viable seeds produced by plants. The advantage of asexual propagation is that seeds can be stored for a long period of time. Propagation from seed results in genetic variability and is useful if the intent is an improved or different plant characteristic. Asexual Propagation: Asexual propagation results in plants that have the same characteristic as the…