How to take cuttings

During fall, we all scramble to save the plants that became our favorite performers of the season.  This includes annuals and non-hardy perennials. 

Follow these easy steps:

1. Fill containers or seed trays with soilless potting mix and water thoroughly.
2. Use a sharp knife (pruning or kitchen) to cut a 4-6" stem tip from disease- and insect-free branches.
3. Count the number of nodes (joints where leaves attach to the stem) and strip the leaves off the last 3 nodes nearest the cut end.
4. Place rooting hormone into a small bowl, and dip the cut end of the stem into the rooting hormone, lightly dusting it. Tap off excess gently against the side of the bowl.
5. Make a hole in the potting soil with a pencil or finger.
6. Place the cutting into the hole and firm the soil around it. (This insures that the hormone stays on the cut surface.)
7. Cover with a clear plastic bag and keep in bright light (not direct sunlight.)
8. Check weekly to keep soil moist. Rooting should occur within 8 weeks, depending upon the type of plant being propagated.