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When is the Best Time to Propagate?
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As you become a more involved plant person, you may want to start cultivating your skills beyond simple watering, fertilizing, and pruning. If you’re really trying to expand your garden or yard (or add more plants to your indoor spaces), propagating is an excellent and relatively simple option.
However, propagating requires planning, especially when it comes to timing. Although you can propagate your plants any time of year, the process changes slightly depending on the season and hardiness of the plant. So, let’s explore the basics of when to propagate your plants.
What is Propagating?
Propagating simply means creating multiple plants from a single parent. There are many methods you can use, including cutting, grafting, budding, and seeding. Seeds are the simplest way to propagate a plant as they’re naturally inclined to grow and thrive. Cutting is the next easiest way to turn one plant into many.
When to Propagate Your Plants
The time to propagate your plants depends on when and how your plants are growing. Typically, cuttings can be broken down into three categories: softwood, semi-hardwood, and hardwood. Although these terms sound like they only reflect woody plants like trees and shrubs, they apply to all plants.
Softwood (Typically Spring)
Spring is when your plants are eager to grow, meaning it’s an excellent time to propagate. Once you’ve cut sections off your plant, make sure to give them plenty of water so they will grow roots and survive.
As a rule, softwood cuttings are eager to grow but can require the most maintenance and care. So, if you’re taking a more hands-off approach to propagating, you may want to wait until later in the year.
One advantage of propagating during the spring is that you should be able to transplant your cuttings to different parts of your yard or garden. As long as they get sufficient sunlight and water, they can take root and survive through the rest of the year.
Semi-Hardwood (Typically Summer)
After the initial growth phase, your plants will be hardier and require less upkeep to survive. So, you can propagate your plants during this time without having to watch over them as closely. Semi-hardwood cuttings should have a relatively mature base with a fresh, still-growing tip.
Depending on when exactly you propagate later in the year, you might have to transplant your plants inside to protect them from cold snaps and frost. Otherwise, they may not establish strong enough roots to survive the winter.
Hardwood (Typically Winter)
If you have any fruiting trees, winter is a fantastic time to propagate them because they don’t require much sunlight or water to take hold. During this phase, the entire plant is mature, so it should withstand transplanting more easily. But it will take a while to see results, so you must be patient.
Another part of propagating during the winter is that you must bring your new cuttings inside. Because they don’t have established root systems, frost, and frozen soil can inhibit their growth and cause them to die. So, make sure you have enough room inside your home or garage to keep these cuttings alive until spring.
Browse a Wide Selection of Plants at One Plant Shop
No matter what kinds of plants you like, One Plant Shop has you covered. Browse our extensive selection online, and then contact us when you’re ready to take something home. Happy planting!
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