Successfully propagating cuttings takes planning

摘要

More than 1 billion stem cuttings of bedding plants, perennials and potted plants are propagated in the United States each year. Whether they are purchased from suppliers or harvested from stock plants, successful cropping requires rapid and uniform rooting of cuttings. Delayed rooting can increase problems with insects, diseases and nutrition; increase crop timing; and increase variability of starting and finished material. Successful propagation requires starting with high-quality, uniform cuttings that are vegetative, not excessively long and free of insects, diseases and viruses. Cuttings not of high quality can lead to delayed and non-uniform rooting. Starting with variable rooted transplants often produces variable finished plants.