Do you know about propagating hydrangeas? Here are some tips on how to propagate hydrangeas, including methods and precautions for growing flowers. Let's learn about them together.
Hydrangeas should be familiar to everyone, with large paniculate inflorescences and easy to care for. Hydrangeas are asexual reproduction, so people usually propagate them by cutting. Today, I will teach you a method of hydrangea propagation and care to ensure that your hydrangeas bloom large and full next year!
I. Propagation Time
There are two suitable times for propagating hydrangeas: the transition from spring to summer and autumn. The temperature during these times is relatively suitable, and the weather is cool. The new seedlings propagated at this time can store nutrients throughout the summer and bloom in the following spring.
II. Propagation Preparation
After choosing the right time for propagation, we can prepare before the cutting. When choosing branches for propagation, we should select healthy, non-woody branches that grew in the current year.
We should prepare a craft knife, make a diagonal cut at the end of the selected branch, with a 45-degree angle being best.
We can make a flat cut at the leaf node of the branch we cut off, and then remove the excess branch.
Leave half of the leaves, as this can reduce evaporation of water during propagation. Retaining half of the leaves is for photosynthesis after propagation.
If using rooting powder before propagation, it's best to keep the ratio at 1:1000, and soaking for 24 hours can promote rooting.
III. Propagation Method
First, prepare suitable soil for hydrangea propagation. Loose and fertile sandy loam soil is more suitable.
Then, we start to prepare for propagation. Before propagation, the soil should be disinfected with carbendazim and potassium permanganate.
Water the soil thoroughly, then insert the cuttings into the soil, making sure all nodes are buried. It's best to place a water-holding tray at the bottom of the pot to keep the soil moist.
How to propagate hydrangeas
After propagation, we need to pay attention to constant care. The most important thing in caring for hydrangea cuttings is to keep the soil moist!
Often spray water and place the seedlings in a shady place with a temperature of about 25-30°C.
Also, some gardening enthusiasts are eager and always want to pull out the seedlings to check if they have rooted. I must remind you not to do this, as it can easily kill the seedlings.
At a temperature of about 25°C, it takes about twenty days to root. After the hydrangeas have rooted, you can transplant them to a pot in about three weeks. Make sure to water the soil thoroughly after transplanting and then shade the area. Water again after three days to help the seedlings recover.
IV. Shaping and Pruning
Hydrangeas have paniculate inflorescences. To produce more branches in the future, we need to prune them appropriately during their growing period.
If you find yellow leaves, it's important to cut them off to avoid wasting nutrients.
If the flowers wither, cut off the entire withered flower at the node below the first pair of leaves. Don't feel bad about this, as not cutting off the withered flowers will also waste a lot of the plant's nutrients.
V. Hydrangea Care
After successful propagation of hydrangeas, it's important to pay attention to the care conditions. Hydrangeas are short-day plants and should not be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods. If the sunlight is too strong, you can provide some shade.
The suitable growing temperature for hydrangeas is between 20-30°C, and flower bud differentiation requires a temperature of 5-7°C for about 6 weeks.
The blooming period of hydrangeas is from June to July. During this time, it's important to maintain sufficient water and nutrients, with fertilization every 15 days.
Have you learned how to propagate hydrangeas? If you also want to have a full and beautiful hydrangea, try it now!
The above content about how to propagate hydrangeas and the methods and precautions for hydrangea propagation is brought to you by GreenAddiction. Green enthusiasts may refer to this for reference.