Groundskeeper

Plant Propagation: Growing Your Garden

January 10, 2025
Groundskeeper Team
6 min read
Plant Propagation: Growing Your Garden

Plant propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. It's a rewarding and cost-effective way to multiply your favorite plants, expand your garden, and share with friends and family. While some methods are complex, many common techniques are surprisingly simple and perfect for the home gardener. It's a great way to get more plants for free!

🌿 Method 1: Stem Cuttings

This is one of the easiest and most popular methods, especially for houseplants and many annuals.

1
Take the Cutting: Using a clean, sharp knife or pruners, cut a 4-6 inch piece of healthy, non-flowering stem from the parent plant.
2
Prep the Cutting: Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem.
3
Root It: You can either place the cutting in a jar of water or dip the end in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot with moist potting mix. Keep it in a warm, bright spot.

Great for: Coleus, Pothos, Philodendron, Begonias, many herbs.

➗ Method 2: Division

This method is used for perennial plants that grow in clumps.

shovel
In the spring or fall, dig up the entire clump of the plant. Use a sharp spade or garden knife to divide the root ball into several smaller sections. Make sure each section has a healthy set of roots and leaves, then replant the divisions immediately.

Great for: Hostas, Daylilies, Irises, Ornamental Grasses.

🌱 Method 3: Seeds

The most traditional method is collecting and saving seeds.

Seed Saving Basics:

  • Let the seed heads of your flowers (like marigolds, zinnias, or coneflowers) dry completely on the plant.
  • Collect the dried seed heads and separate the seeds from the chaff.
  • Store the seeds in a cool, dry, dark place (like in a labeled paper envelope in the refrigerator) until you are ready to plant them next season.

Note that seeds from hybrid plants may not grow "true to type," meaning the new plant might look different from its parent. This is part of the fun!

Propagation is a joyful way to connect with your garden and watch it grow. For expert advice on plant care and all other aspects of groundskeeping, contact the knowledgeable team at The Box Advantage Group.

Plant PropagationGrowingGarden ExpansionMoney Saving
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