multiplant

The young dahlia shoots are just about large enough to take cuttings. It is already 3 weeks later than normal. If I wait much longer, it will be too late for this year. Roots have been placed in soil in propagator and kept at about 15 deg C (59 deg F). Only the lower parts of roots have been below the soil, which has been kept moist.

Used razer blade (anything sharp enough to make a clean cut) to cut near base.










Carefully removed lower leaves (Step 2)










Removed corner from a medium freezer bag.

• Mixed some multi-purpose compost with water so just changing colour (Removed all lumps and rubbish first)

• Loosely filled cup with compost

• Made out a label and put it in pot

• Inserted cutting to about 2.5 cm (1 inch) deep (It is important to keep compost loose enough so cutting just supported but air can get down to base of cutting)

• Carefully covered with freezer bag and secured with elastic band. Gave plenty of space over cutting. Important that leaves do not touch side of bag, as they will soon get diseased

• Placed in warmish (18-20 deg C) light spot. My spot not so warmish due to recent cold weather. Might be a problem

Cuttings should be ready in about 3 weeks. Need to watch condensation on sides of polythene. It should just be a little misty, not too much.

Note that I have not used hormone rooting powder. Dahlias will root without it, especially this time of year when young tissue is full of hormones.
It is well worth having a go at taking dahlia cuttings. This principle of taking shoot cuttings can be used for many plants.