Plant Propagation
There are a number of methods to propagate new plants. Seeds are the obvious solution, though surprisingly, not always the easiest. Some seeds require a dormancy period, or a time where certain conditions must be met before conditions are correct for them to germinate or begin growing. If you have access to a plant, sometimes asexual propagation using this mother plant works better than starting seeds.
Some methods of propagating plants:
- Seeds - Nature's most obvious and sexiest method of propagation.
- Division - Cut or pull apart the root ball of the plant to separate it into several separate plants. Perennials, some house plants, and some shrubs work well with this method.
- Cuttings - Slice off a section of stem or sometimes a leaf and put it in a rooting medium such as sand. Professionals use a misting system that sends a mist of water over the cuttings at set intervals all day. some cuttings work by putting the stems in water until roots form.
- Layering - Placing a section of a branch of the mother plant under the soil while it is still attached works in a similar way to cuttings, but had the advantage of having the mother plant for nourishment until roots form.
- Grafting - A plant growing on its own roots has a different plant attached to its upper section. Many trees and roses are propagated this way.
Starting Seedlings
The growing season in Nebraska can be extended by starting seeds indoors. Once the weather warms above freezing many more varieties of seeds can be planted outdoors.
Purchase high-quality seeds packed for the current year. The date is usually printed on the pagkage. Test old seeds before using them by putting 10 seeds inside a folded moist paper towel that is remoistened twice a day. Look for 80 to 100% germination. If it is not that good, plant way more than you need.
Some people save seed from the plants they grew the year before. This generally works if the seed is not hybrid seed. Hybrids will not produce offspring that are nearly or nearly exactly like the parent plants. Its ok to try them, but do not expect the crop to look much like what was harvested last year and it may or may not have the disease resistance of the parent plant. I save seed and sometimes I really get some surprises that are interesting, and other times they are not so good.
Check the seed package for the suggested time to plant so the seed germinates and is old enough to be set outside at the proper time.
Some seeds need light to germinate and others prefer the moisture and darkness of soil covering them. The seed packages generally say if seed should be covered with soil, left on the surface or covered lightly with soil.
Seed Starting Soil Mix
Begin by planting seeds in a commercial special soil generally labeled for 'Seed Starting'. It is a specially formulated lightweight soiless mixture of ingredients that should not contain spores of diseases that cause plant seedlings to become sick.
If a seed starting mix is not available, try this soilless seed starting mix. Never use a mix containing topsoil or compost because it can contain disease organisms that cause seedlings to become sick and die.
Soilless mix:
One part milled peat moss and
One part vermiculite
Small amount perlite.If there is no choice other than using compost, potting soil or sifted garden soil, be sure to sterilize the mixture. As an added protection when using a heavier soil such as garden soil or potting mix, you may like to soak the pot in a pan with a solution of fungicide, mixed according to directions, to prevent damping off, the most common cause of death in seedlings.
To sterilize, place soil in a shallow pan, add water to make it somewhat moist, cover with aluminum foil and bake in the oven at 350 F for about 1 hour. There is a slight smell so if you want, this can also be done outdoors on the grill.
Make sure the seed starter mix is moist
If using seed starter soil, add water to the package or put the soil in a large bowel and stir in water so that it is well moistened. If it is not moist, and seeds planted, when watered, the peat in the mix will begin to float and sometimes the seed just floats out of the pot.
After seeds are planted, water either by setting the pot in water and allowing it to soak up water or use a gently sprinkle such as from the sprayer at the kitchen sick on low pressure, with a sprinkling can.
Pots
Peat pots, cell packs, and pellets are naturally sterile, and because they can be directly planted outdoors, they work well for plants with delicate roots.
Commercial seed starting trays are available with separated rows to make it easy to start many different varieties at the same time.
Four-inch pots filled with starting mix work well to germinate
a number of seedlings.
Planting trays and covers: Use plant trays under pots for bottom
watering, and top seeds with a clear cover. Clear plastic wrap can
also be used to cover germinating seeds. The cover must be removed
after the seeds begin to show the first leaves as the excess humidity
can contribute to damping off which is deadly to seedlings.
Labels
Always label seeds with the variety and date sown.
Light
Choose full-spectrum fluorescent lights that can be positioned three to four inches above seeds and raised as seedlings grow. Grow lights provide the light required for healthy development of stocky plants.
Window light is good, but seedlings must be turned daily so they dont elongate and lean toward the light.
Air movement
Transplanting
Cloning, immoral behavior in the garden?
Right now the word clone seems to be a word that inflames emotions.
While some people fuss and fume about cloning and how immoral they think it is, gardeners have been cloning for years.
Taking cuttings or slips is a common method for starting new plants. A stem or leaf is cut from a mother plant to grow roots for a new plant. Other common methods are layer and dividing.
Not all methods work for all plants. A cutting for one plant will grow from a softwood cutting (the fast growing new growth), and not from old wood. Others root better from older wood, not older than one year. The time of year when the cutting is taken can determine the difference between the growth of roots and a rotting stem. In order to know one can either find a book or web site to see if there is some resource to tell the best method for the particular plant under consideration, or just experiment for yourself.
