Topic: Cuttings

[caroline7758]

Inspired by Carol Klein, I'm really getting into taking cuttings. hoping to produce lots of plants for a charity sale in August. Just wondering, is there an average time they take to root at this time of year, or is it different for every variety? Don't want to pot them up too soon, but getting impatient!At the moment I've got lavender, Sedum spectabile and Verbena bonariensis.

[valmarg]

The best sign that your cuttings have rooted is new growth, ie they are starting to grow.

Another 'test' is to gently pull a leaf of the cutting.  If it gives resistance, then it should be well rooted, if it comes out of the compost easily then its not.

The other thing to do is turn your cuttings tray upside down.  If roots are coming out of the bottom, then your cuttings are very well rooted.

I don't like to be a damp squib caroline, but I think you may have left it a bit late to get rooted cuttings for August.

I could probably help out with rooted fuchsia cuttings.  Other plants I have grown from seed this year are hardy border carnations and dianthus ideal select from Moles Seeds.  They might get a bit knocked about in the post, but they would have time to recover between now and August if you would like some.

I always grow far too many 'ornamental' plants each year.  You would be more than welcome to any of my 'surplus'.  Better you raise money for your charity than they go on our compost heap ;D

valmarg

[caroline7758]

That's really kind. Would they be ok to go straight outside or in a coldframe? Don't think I've got room in my greenhouse!

[valmarg]

They are all hardened off, so would be all right outside.

valmarg

[valmarg]

OK caroline, I assume you don't want to take up my offer.  Going to have a bloody good compost heap then, :( :(

valmarg

[Georgie]

OK caroline, I assume you don't want to take up my offer.  Going to have a bloody good compost heap then, :( :(

valmarg

Talk about looking for a row!  Caroline didn't ask for cuttings, you offered.  It's only been a few days and now you appear to be blaming her for the waste.  Has it occurred to you she might be busy elsewhere?

G x

[valmarg]

I really don't think I deserve your nasty reply georgie.  I had offered to send plants (at my expense) to fund a charity event.  As I said, I always grow too many plants, and would  have been happy to send some.

Just because I had not had the courtesy of a reply after a week, I sent a message saying that I assumed my offer had been rejected.

valmarg

[Amazin]

going to have a bloody good compost heap then

No, I think Georgie got it right, Valmarg.

[valmarg]

going to have a bloody good compost heap then

No, I think Georgie got it right, Valmarg.

I meant the compost heap comment as a joke.  Put the wrong emoticon, should have put a smiley ;D

valmarg

[valmarg]

P.S. Either way, I am assuming my plants are not wanted.

The offer is still there.

I just find it difficult, having offered help, that I should be vilified by a misunderstanding.

valmarg

[caroline7758]

Sorry, Valmarg, I've been away at my Dad's while he's in hospital- no internet there. :( Didn't mean to cause trouble. ;)Should have replied before I left but was a bit preoccupied.

If you haven't composted your cuttings I'd love to have some. I will pm you with my address if it's not too late.

[valmarg]

Sorry  caroline to have sounded a bit impatient, but I am the most disorganised person I know, and though you don't need the plants until August, if you wanted any, I would have needed to put a bit of organisation into it before then ;D

If you PM your address I'll get organised and let you know when they are in the post.  I thought that the earlier I sent them, the more time they would have to recover from being bashed about in the post. ;D

valmarg

[caroline7758]

Thanks, pm'ing you now!

[valmarg]

Right, am on the job, and will let you know when they are in the post.

valmarg

[caroline7758]

Thanks very much!