When is the best month to propagate hydrangeas
Let's talk about the best month for propagating hydrangeas and the knowledge of green plants and flowers concerning the timing and methods of hydrangea propagation. Keep reading!
Hydrangeas are shrubs belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family and the Hydrangea genus. They are named for their flower balls that form when they bloom. The plants can grow 1-4 meters tall, with papery or nearly leathery leaves in an obovate shape with coarse teeth on the edges. Their flowers bloom from June to August, and the color of the flowers can vary depending on the growth environment, which can be adjusted by some methods to make them more colorful.
Hydrangeas are not cold-tolerant, and many places cannot survive the winter, which means you have to buy new ones the following year. However, if you know and master the propagation techniques, you can grow several pots of flowers, eliminating the need to buy new ones.
I. Propagation Time
The survival rate of hydrangea cuttings is related to temperature. Cuttings are more likely to root and sprout in warmer climates. Generally, spring and autumn are chosen, with spring ranging from April to July and autumn in September to October. This period is just after the blooming season and before the temperature drops, making it suitable for propagation. Post-blooming propagation also reduces the nutrient consumption of the original plant, and pruning can help preserve nutrients, aiding in its winter survival.
II. Cutting Treatment
First, find a healthy plant without diseases or pests and cut a sturdy semi-woody branch with 2-3 buds. Remove all the lower leaves, leaving only the top two to reduce water loss and help the cutting survive. After cutting, do not plant immediately but place it in a shady and well-ventilated area to let the wound dry. You can apply carbendazim to prevent infection and rot.
III. Potting Soil Preparation
Before propagating, prepare the potting soil. Hydrangeas thrive in loose and fertile soil with good drainage and aeration, so sandy soil is often chosen. You can mix peat soil and perlite or add sand, mix it well, and spread it in a sunny place to kill bacteria and fungi. Then, prepare an 8-12 cm pot and fill it with the soil.
When is the best month to propagate hydrangeas
IV. Planting Cuttings
After the cutting's wound has dried, you can proceed with planting. First, make a hole in the soil surface with a chopstick, preferably at an angle, and then insert the cutting into it, pressing the soil to ensure it doesn't fall over. Then, spray a little water to keep the soil moist but not too wet. Place it in a shady and well-ventilated area to wait for the cutting to root.
V. Subsequent Care
Hydrangea cuttings take about 20 days to root. During this period, keep the soil moist and expose it to some scattered light. Once roots appear, you can expose it to light in the morning and evening but avoid long periods of exposure to prevent rapid water loss. Also, check the moisture level of the potting soil regularly and water immediately when the surface is dry to help the seedlings grow faster.
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