METHODS OF PROPAGATION

Propagation The process of growing a new plant from parts of one or more other plants.

SeedsSee how to start seeds post.

DivisionDivision is the process of separating a clump forming plant into parts. There are many ways to divide plants.

Stock and bulb division. Plants such as lemon grass and asparagus (stock), or onions and garlic (bulb). The plant clump is dug up to include the root and is separated using your hands, trowel, or even a shovel. The separated clumps are then replanted.

Sucker and Runner division. Plants such as bananas, bay, and elderberry, are separated by cutting the UNDERGROUND “cord” that joins the mother plant from the sucker child plant. Plants such as strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries. They are also separated from the mother by cutting the ABOVE GROUND “cord” that joins the mother plant from the runner child plant.



Cuttings
Cuttings are a way to “clone” a plant. It will grow true to the original plant. There are many types of cuttings. We will be only be reviewing stem cuttings and root cuttings.

Stem cuttings are made from cutting piece of a stem off the plant and planting it. That stem can be very soft to very hard. The terms used to describe the hardness are herbaceous (single growing season), softwood, semi-hardwood, and hardwood cuttings. Things that can be propagated by stem cuttings include: tomato, basil, blackberry, grape, sweet potato, chaya, sugarcane, and mulberry.

Root cuttings are made from underground roots. These types of roots usually grow horizontally under the ground. A piece of the root, containing roots is cut away from the mother plant and replanted the same depth as it was. Things that can be propagated by root cuttings include: horseradish, hops, sage, and mint.

Layering
Layering is accomplished by forcing a plant to make something like a runner with ROOTS. By removing leaves from a portion of the “stem” and covering that portion with soil, roots eventually develop. The “stem” can be cut below the newly developed roots and replanted. Layering can be done using a pot, the soil next to the plant, or by creating a soil pouch and attaching it to the plant. Plants that can be layered include blackberries, raspberries, grapes, pomegranate, sea grape, and passionfruit.

Grafting
Grafting is like making your own Frankenstein monster. Take parts from 2 or more plants and combine it into one plant. This is mainly done with fruit trees but some veggies are being experimented with including eggplant, peppers, watermelon, squash, and tomatoes.