Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Flowers for Free


Flowers are such a beautiful display of God's creation and I love them dearly-- but sometimes it breaks the bank to plant them! Cuttings are an excellent way to establish a garden without paying a penny. What you need are either some flowers in which to propagate or a friend or neighbor with a thriving garden. This method works well with sturdier and thicker stemmed plants. Delicate designs are not good choices as they will most likely wilt in the process.

Geraniums

Geraniums are probably the easiest plants to start off with because success is almost certain. To take a cutting, choose a strong stem with a few open leaves. Cut the stem just below a leaf at an angle and peel off the lower leaves on the bottom part of what you just cut. Place this cutting into a small pot filled with potting soil (I used regular soil but the experts recommend a combination of peat moss, perlite, vermiculite) and press the plant firmly in place. Keep the soil moist and make sure there is adequate drainage. Once you notice the plant has begun to grow its own leaves and settle in, you can transplant it anywhere in your garden, hanging planters or window boxes provided the conditions are beneficial to the plant.

  • The best time to take cuttings is in the morning.
  • Keep the cuttings cool and moist until you are ready to plant. You can store the cuttings in wet paper towels prior to using or store in plastic bag in refrigerator.
  • Place pot in indirect sunlight until it flourishes and is ready to be transplanted.
  • Place a plastic bag loosely over the plant allowing for some air to pass through. This will provide some humidity and lock in some moisture which is necessary.
  • rooting hormone is also helpful to ensure better results. Just dip the stem in the powder prior to planting and tap off any excess. (The geranium will do fine without it.)

Hydrangea

I am going to attempt some cuttings with my hydrangeas this year. The instructions are basically the same as above although it may be beneficial to dip these cuttings in a rooting hormone prior to planting. A six inch cut from the top of the plant and removal of the lower leaves is also recommended.

Other lovely flowers that can be propagated by cuttings are:

  • Gardenia 
  • Begonia 
  • Impatiens 
  • Jasmine
  • Magnolia
  • Rose
  • Wisteria

Are you ready to create your own little Garden of Eden?
All the fine print. This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making MondaysModest Mom Monday'sMonday's MusingsMake Your Home Sing MondayGood Morning Mondays,  The ScoopTitus 2 TuesdaysTuesdays with a TwistRaising HomemakersWise Woman Link UpHomestead Blog Hop Wow Us Wednesdays,  Coffee and ConversationHomemaking ThursdaysHome Sweet HomeOur Simple HomesteadAwesome Life Friday Link UpFive Star Frou Frou Friday, and Shabbilicious Friday. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these. This post may contain affiliate links (which are merchant links that help to support this site at no additional cost to you if you purchase an item through them). Painting is Primroses, Geraniums and a Bird's Nest by George Clare.

4 comments:

  1. It would be fun to try this! I hate spending lots of money on my garden. You have a beautiful blog. I'm glad I stumbled upon it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I do hope for good results on my hydrangea but the geraniums are a sure thing, do try!

      Delete
  2. Lovely to start your own plants this way:) Besides what you mentioned, JES, I have little baby Viburnums starting beneath the Momma shrubs. I think they are leatherleafs and Korean spicebush. I will leave them there until they are 4-5 " tall and then move into a nursery. Maybe we can try this with geraniums this year. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Looks like you have a green thumb and will have great results!

      Delete