Propagation This Month

Hi ~ I have just tried my hand at taking some hydrangea cuttings. Does anyone know if they need to be covered, or can I just leave them in a shady spot in the garden to hopefully grow. Thanks ~ buddleja.Got the information that I needed from elsewhere. Unfortunately, not this site.

I agree, but as mine are in the main bed I pick them off. Just give the brown ones a gentle tweak - if they come off all well and good, if not try tomorrow. It's not unusual that in their first year (2016) they appear to do nothing but in fact under the soil they are setting their roots out. Two...

Hi JJ,Now is the perfect time to sow any of the Dianthus family ( Carnations, Pinks, Sweet Williams, Lychnis).Just grow them on and plant out in their permanent positions around Sept/ Oct.They're really easy, no fuss plants to grow.

I find it best to be less specific "I'll move them out at the weekend" you might get away with another couple of weekends indoor growing

As Jazz has said 'Snow Pixie' is unusually an annual, not a perennial. Jack, I'd remove the Lupin's from the light box as it's probably to hot in there and then treat them the same as any other annual. Grow them on in as much light (but not full sun) as possible and then harden them off...

Chilean guavas apparently used to be Queen Victoria's favourite fruit, so they grow well in the English climate and are hardy to about -10C.That's all I know as I haven't actually ever grown them before.

Hi there.You say your soil is slightly acidic, so I would assume it has a PH of around 6.5? And, when you say you want to bring the PH down, you mean you want it more acidic?

Thanks M, yes they're rather unusual aren't they?

thankin' you kindly M

Welcome to GC Nomi. Unfortunately seed packet instructions are only guidelines. Starting seeds in February, unless they need a long germination period is pointless as the light is still so low and there's not enough daylight hours. This is why the seedlings grow leggy. I rarely start any seeds...

Some of mine have started to come up now the giants seem to be slow starters though here are some photos of 'Firecracker' an F1 variety I got in a seed swap so I've no idea what will come up and also the starting of 'Mongolian Giant'Sent on the go from my telephone

That's good to know Thanks again @longk

Florists use it for cut flowers - really odd feeling stuff when dry

I start most of my seeds in a heated propagator and as soon as they show I remove them as the heat makes them grow rapidly. Mine are now in a light bedroom with a background heat of 17/18C and no heat overnight. It's not warm enough yet to put them into a greenhouse or cold frame Jack. Mine...

Too early. The heat of the house has got them to germinate and now that they're out they've discovered that there is sod all decent light. As the days lengthen hopefully they will wake up.

Another question is, where is the propagator ? Is it inside by a window. If so, you want to be careful you do not turn the propagator into a solar oven. Though if you have a taste for roasted seeds

It's not that serious, but it's surprising how much compost you get through when filling seed trays and pots.

I have Heuchera seeds in compost in a heated propagator, can somebody tell me roughly how long they will take to germinate please.

Lynda, I always smile when people say they are jealous but believe me, although we love the TT and the life it brings to the island it's a two week nightmare. The road closures create havoc to our everyday lives and even worse if like me, you live on the course. We have to go through it all...

Thank you for all the useful information John. I had looked online and seen that they were poisonous, so am being careful. Didn't realise they were tender though, but I have a big cupboard which is covered in plants in the spare room so I will pop them in there when the leaves appear out of the...