How to propagate lavender from a bush by cuttings
Content:
This flower is a symbol of the fields of Provence. A pleasant aroma, a small bush with a colorful "spike" of inflorescences and long flowering make the plant popular in the regions of Russia. In order for a flower to grow and develop normally, you need to know the rules for caring for it. If you want to plant it in the garden, be sure to ask how lavender multiplies.
A brief description of lavender
Lavender is a herb that has decorative, medicinal and cosmetic effects. Small bushes have practically no leaves. They are located near the ground around the stem. The plant blooms from June to September with a pleasant aroma. A small bush throws out a pedicel up to 80 cm long, along which small buds are located. The petals can be purple or blue. Less common are hybrids with pink or white flowers.
The plant is native to the Mediterranean plains, but has recently been actively used in the decor of our gardens and flower beds. To decorate the space near the house with such a flower, you need to know how lavender reproduces in the garden. It is advisable to inquire about the rules of care after the transplant.
Reproduction of lavender by dividing the bush
Reproduction of lavender can be done in several ways. The most popular option is cuttings. As a result of this breeding method, young shoots take root well and begin to bloom the next year. At the same time, the old bush will definitely not die.
Seeds are a good breeding option, but the planting material does not always germinate and not all. The plant may be sick and not bloom for a long time. For the bush to develop well, you need to organize painstaking care.
The most difficult and dangerous is the option that involves manipulating the bush. An additional way can be the formation of a bend. For all the disadvantages of the method, many gardeners use just this option. But in order to carry it out without risks, you need to know how to propagate lavender from a bush, by dividing.
Soil selection and preparation for planting parts of the bush
The soil should not be too "sour", so before planting it is worth adding wood ash or lime to the pit. Add dung additionally to make the soil texture more porous.
How to plant lavender by dividing a bush:
- After flowering, you need to cut off dry pedicels.
- It is good to huddle the bush, covering the base of the plant with earth. During this period, many new shoots are formed around the old bush.
- Dig out the bush and use a sharp pruning shears to divide the root system.
- Sprinkle the slices with activated carbon powder.
Next, you land on the prepared terrain.
Basic rules of care after planting
An important condition after planting is proper care. Especially carefully you need to monitor the watering regime. The plant cannot be flooded with water, but it does not like drought either. It is advisable to start irrigation as soon as the earth begins to dry out.
Homemade lavender bushes require periodic pruning. It is enough to remove those shoots that worsen the shape of the bush.
When is the best time to propagate by dividing the bush
The shrub can be divided in both autumn and spring. The main thing is to prepare a copy in advance for the procedure. In each case, there are nuances and features of the implementation of division and landing. The same applies to the rooting of the cuttings.
Features of reproduction by dividing the bush in spring
In the spring, division can be made until the first signs of a peduncle appear. Additionally, you need to huddle the plant in the fall and carefully monitor the growth of branches. For planting, choose a time when no rain is expected, so that the specimen does not lock.
Reproduction by dividing the bush in the summer
A transplant from the parent specimen is also possible in the summer, but you will have to carry out very careful care: accurately monitor the watering regime, organize a shade for the plants.
How to propagate by dividing a bush in the fall
Autumn is the most optimal breeding season in this way. It is necessary to spud the bush in the spring and divide at the right time. It is advisable to carry out the procedure no later than September.
What is grafting
If it is difficult to figure out how to propagate lavender by dividing a bush, this can be done by grafting. This option is most relevant for the cultivation of a flower culture. Reproduction of lavender by cuttings is carried out in several stages.
How to cut lavender
The algorithm is very simple:
- Measure from the top of the twigs 10-12 cm.
- Use a sharp knife to cut at a 30-degree angle.
- Sprinkle the cut with activated carbon powder.
It is necessary to graft only young shoots that appeared as a result of the growth of the bush after hilling.
How to germinate lavender cuttings correctly
Cutting lavender in summer, fall or spring involves the following rooting process:
- Drive the stalk into wet soil by 2-3 cm.
- Cover the container with a cut plastic bottle.
- Air once a day, opening the "greenhouse" for 10 minutes.
Additionally, more thorough care is provided.
Preparing the soil for planting cuttings in the open field
Determining how to plant lavender with cuttings is easy, but you also need to prepare the soil, especially in open space.
First you need to add humus, wood ash and a little peat. If the acidity is increased, then a little lime is added additionally.
How to care for young bushes
How to root lavender, which is a young sprout:
- Water the sprouts periodically so that the earth does not dry out.
- Spud out specimens from time to time to hide the stem.
- Cut off excess growths to give the plant a normal shape.
If you do everything right, then the dacha will be decorated with beautiful flowers with a delicate aroma.
There are several ways to propagate lavender. The most difficult part is dividing the bush, the simplest is grafting. Additionally, you need to know a few nuances that relate to the further cultivation of sprouts.