PHGSCs Operation Propagation Oct 08 Yearround propagation for members and Plant Sale

1
PHGSCsOperation PropagationOct 08Year-round
propagation for members and Plant Sale

• Mary Eisenhour925-939-2533

2
Steps to Year-round PropagationOct 08

• Preparing for our May plant sale is a year-round
• activity. This monthly update offers ideas on
  what
• to propagate during the current season.
• Separate bulb, tuber and rhizome plants after
• theyve died back. Replant those you want to
  keep,
• and pot up the others for the sale.
• Bulbs can be sold next spring without being
• potted. Store them over the winter in mesh bags
  or
• old nylon stockings so they get air.

3
Steps to Year-round PropagationOct 08 (cont.)

• Bloom color is important to our customers, so
• remember to include that when labeling the plants
• you are propagating or bulbs you are storing.
• Roses sell well, but many varieties hold
  patents
• that prohibit resale from cuttings. You may dig
  up
• and pot to sell any rose plants you no longer
  want.
• Geraniums and pelargoniums attract buyers if
• they are large and have robust blooms. Now is the
• time to make those cuttings and get them into
  pots.

4
Steps to Year-round PropagationOct 08 (cont.)

• Cuttings to propagate should be made now, so
  the plants are large enough to sell in May, after
  a winter of growth under at least minimal
  protection.
• Milkweed and other native seeds can be planted
  outside now, so they have the winter to germinate
  for sprouting in spring.
• Holidays are coming, and we typically donate
  houseplants to homebound hospice patients in
  December. Start now to pot up a few plants.
• Not able to do much for the sale? Try
  propagating just a dozen or two plants that are
  easy for you, particularly any that are drought
  tolerant.
• For tips, go online and Google plant
  propagation, or get the book, Making More
  Plants The Science, Art, and Joy of Propagation
  by Ken Druse.