Propagating Australian Natives

Submitted by mcsee on Thu, 17/05/2007 - 03:04.

You've decided to propagate some cuttings from your favourite 'Native' shrub, but you need a few pointers to see if you're doing it correct. I'm no expert, but I will show you how I do it, so first thing is to get your tools together.
The most important item is a good sharp pair of secateurs, then pots, labels, pen and of course a hormone treatment if you are using one, plus something to make a hole in potting medium.

Before you start, remember "hygiene' will play a big part in what you do, so practice it. Sterilise your pots, tubes and tools. Use metholated spirits on the secateurs regularly to be sure of best results, while pots etc can be rinsed when clean in a diluted bleach rinse.

You can mix your own propagation mix, but I prefer to buy mine at Bunning's. I use Debco Professional Propagation Mix which comes in a bag like potting mix. Now what you intend to grow your cuttings in needs to be filled ready, whether it's a pot, tube or broccoli box. Before you do your cuttings, it's a good idea to wet your mix and let drain.

You now need to select the cutting material from the plants you intend to propagate, making sure it's not too soft. It is best to take cuttings early in the day if you can, but this isn't always an option. Allow extra length when taking cuttings as they can be trimmed when you prepare the cutting prior to putting them in the medium.

In most cases cuttings of approx 10cm in length are used with about 1/3rd of lower foliage removed, depending on internodal spacing. Using your tool to make a hole in the medium, push to a depth that will receive the cutting without the need for it to be pushed in, as this will remove the hormone powder/gel. Instructions are on the hormone as to dipping time, so one cutting at a time, dip into hormone and then seat in the propagation medium, firming around the cutting.

Your cuttings are all in, and should have a label with a plant name and a date. All that's left now is to water regularly and sit back and wait for them to strike.