HOW TO TAKE CUTTINGS FROM GARDENIAS

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Gardenias are a gorgeous, highly scented ornamental evergreen that are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. However they can be expensive but they will easily take from cuttings is you have access to a heated propagator.

Gardenia bloom

To begin with, take 3 inch long cuttings from non-flowering lateral shots, using a sharp sterilized blade. This is best done in February or March to take advantage of the plants natural desire to produce new growth. If you can, do not cut all the way through the shoot as leaving a slight heel at the end of the cutting will help to encourage better rooting.

Use a good quality compost such as John Innes 'Seed and Cutting' or make your own using equal part by volume of sphagnum moss peat and horticultural grade sand, fill pots or preferably a large sized modular seed tray. There is an advantage to this as moss peat is naturally acidic - if you can find any! Sedge peat is not a suitable alternative.

Dip the base of the cutting in to hormone rooting powder, tapping off any excess back into its container. Using a dipper, create a suitably-sized hole in the compost and carefully place in the cutting, trying to avoid rubbing off the hormone powder on the sides of the hole.

Gently water the cutting in and place at the propagator at a temperature between 18-21 degrees Celsius. The cuttings should begin to root after about 3 weeks but don't keep pulling them to check otherwise they will never root. Once the cuttings have established in the module they can be popped out and potted on into 3 inch pots. Avoid disturbing the root system at all times. Keep them in a warm, protected environment, watering and potting on as necessary in ericaceous compost.

For related articles click onto the following links:
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RHS Gardenia
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