Propagating

dog party · 07-22-2009, 03:23 PM

My friend and I are looking to propagate some blueberries into a new yard. I have never propagated anything before (other than some potatoes that accidentally propagated in my pantry), so I thought I'd ask everyone what their favorite method was.

Here is the method that has already been suggested to me:
1. Cut 6" stem
2. Remove bottom leaves from stem (leaving only a few on the tip)
3. Place cutting in pot with 1/2 peat moss and 1/2 sand
4. Keep soil moist
5. Transplant to garden the following year

Anyone have any other ideas that they've found to work well?

Cross Hair · 07-22-2009, 04:20 PM

I perssonally use rockwool mostly for making viable cuttings. It is cheap, PH neutral, comes with a slit or hole already to put cuttings in and inexpensive.

In the past I used vermiculite with good success to.

Your mix of peat moss and sand would work just fine too however.

Do as quick as possible. You are correct on your cutting size and stem removal.

I have a dip made by Technaflora that you simply dip the cut end into before putting in pre-moistened substrate. It seals, heals & promotes root growth. I then put saran wrap over my cuttings with just a small opening at top and keep humidity high for about a week Misting occasionally if needed... but not too wet! I use Technafloras Root 66 product and vitamin feed to discourage problems and feed the plant in my initial water solution and mist sprayer.

Once cuttings are showing roots through my rockwool cubes I transplant either into a hydroponic system or directly into potting soil in a small container to await moving up to its permanent home.

I saw some cool jell packs that you simply peel the top like a yogurt cup and put your cutting directly into and watch it root up until transplant to pot.

Best of Luck

I have not done blueberries but have read before that they clone fairly easy.

dog party · 07-22-2009, 05:20 PM

Thanks for the tips! I'll check into that Technaflora stuff. Sounds good.

I have heard that transplanting should occur in fall, but propagating is best in spring. Is this true?

Cross Hair · 07-22-2009, 05:50 PM

Yes, it is true that transplants are better in the fall as the plant is going into a dormant state and will not have as much of root shock. And propagation is quicker and will take better in the spring since the plant is sending out energy and growing.

However, since you are doing cuttings that you will be wintering over, I would go ahead and do the cuttings indoors now and let them develop a root system, put them into individual pots and let them go dormant in the pot this fall in a garage or basement. Then when spring arrives simply move them from the pot to their new home.

Technaflora products are really easy to use and they sell a kit with everything you would need including fertilizers through every stage of cuttings, vegetative, flower and fruiting. Seriously though whatever the instructions say, cut it in half and you will see NO side effects whatsoever! I have been using technaflora at half strength for years... full wont hurt, but half works the same from all I have noticed and my local garden shop guru suggested it in the first place.

Technaflora Plant Products - Product List

These kits are less than 30 dollars and last a LONG time... especially when you cut the recipe in half LOL

I would also suggest you get a cheap PH test kit and adjust your PH of the water you are using to fertilize/water your plants to around 6 as that is the PH that facilitates plants to uptake the most nutrients for maximum benefit of the plant.

I have worked in greenhouses, tree farms and managed a nursery or two... but only do it as a hobby anymore

Cross Hair · 07-22-2009, 05:53 PM

technaflora recipe for success starter kit - Google Product Search

dog party · 07-23-2009, 09:13 AM

Thanks a TON CrossHair! Very useful info and links! I'm glad you suggested doing it now, because I was going to have a REALLY hard time waiting until next spring to try this out! I'll post up my results.

Cross Hair · 07-24-2009, 12:02 AM

No problem dog party, glad I could help you out! I have a Jeep Liberty, so after seeing your avitar pic I knew you were good people LOL!

Keep me posted how your cuttings are going! Remember to leave some good leaf structure at the tops and it is not abnormal to lose some leaves going yellow and falling off while you are keeping the humidity up for the week of developing new roots. Another tip I didnt mention was I usually make the cut at a 45 degree angle and will scuff up the end around the node above your cut that will be in your rooting compound... and I would give rockwool a try... its really alot easier IMHO with it and then you just simply plant the start rockwool and all into a pot with your potting soil to get some new growth before putting them up to winter over.

Best of Luck
Dont hesitate to ask if you got any questions!

Theres quite a few gardners on this site so I'm sure one of us knuckleheads can answer about anything you need to know! LOL

07-22-2009, 03:23 PM	#1
dog party Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 275	Propagating My friend and I are looking to propagate some blueberries into a new yard. I have never propagated anything before (other than some potatoes that accidentally propagated in my pantry), so I thought I'd ask everyone what their favorite method was. Here is the method that has already been suggested to me: 1. Cut 6" stem 2. Remove bottom leaves from stem (leaving only a few on the tip) 3. Place cutting in pot with 1/2 peat moss and 1/2 sand 4. Keep soil moist 5. Transplant to garden the following year Anyone have any other ideas that they've found to work well?

07-22-2009, 04:20 PM	#2
Cross Hair Long Tail Squirrel Hunter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Central Illinois... Middle of Nowhere Posts: 1,305	I perssonally use rockwool mostly for making viable cuttings. It is cheap, PH neutral, comes with a slit or hole already to put cuttings in and inexpensive. In the past I used vermiculite with good success to. Your mix of peat moss and sand would work just fine too however. Do as quick as possible. You are correct on your cutting size and stem removal. I have a dip made by Technaflora that you simply dip the cut end into before putting in pre-moistened substrate. It seals, heals & promotes root growth. I then put saran wrap over my cuttings with just a small opening at top and keep humidity high for about a week Misting occasionally if needed... but not too wet! I use Technafloras Root 66 product and vitamin feed to discourage problems and feed the plant in my initial water solution and mist sprayer. Once cuttings are showing roots through my rockwool cubes I transplant either into a hydroponic system or directly into potting soil in a small container to await moving up to its permanent home. I saw some cool jell packs that you simply peel the top like a yogurt cup and put your cutting directly into and watch it root up until transplant to pot. Best of Luck I have not done blueberries but have read before that they clone fairly easy. __________________ *Most of my life I've spent hunting,... the rest of it I've just wasted*

07-22-2009, 05:50 PM	#4
Cross Hair Long Tail Squirrel Hunter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Central Illinois... Middle of Nowhere Posts: 1,305	Yes, it is true that transplants are better in the fall as the plant is going into a dormant state and will not have as much of root shock. And propagation is quicker and will take better in the spring since the plant is sending out energy and growing. However, since you are doing cuttings that you will be wintering over, I would go ahead and do the cuttings indoors now and let them develop a root system, put them into individual pots and let them go dormant in the pot this fall in a garage or basement. Then when spring arrives simply move them from the pot to their new home. Technaflora products are really easy to use and they sell a kit with everything you would need including fertilizers through every stage of cuttings, vegetative, flower and fruiting. Seriously though whatever the instructions say, cut it in half and you will see NO side effects whatsoever! I have been using technaflora at half strength for years... full wont hurt, but half works the same from all I have noticed and my local garden shop guru suggested it in the first place. Technaflora Plant Products - Product List These kits are less than 30 dollars and last a LONG time... especially when you cut the recipe in half LOL I would also suggest you get a cheap PH test kit and adjust your PH of the water you are using to fertilize/water your plants to around 6 as that is the PH that facilitates plants to uptake the most nutrients for maximum benefit of the plant. I have worked in greenhouses, tree farms and managed a nursery or two... but only do it as a hobby anymore __________________ *Most of my life I've spent hunting,... the rest of it I've just wasted*

07-22-2009, 05:53 PM	#5
Cross Hair Long Tail Squirrel Hunter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Central Illinois... Middle of Nowhere Posts: 1,305	technaflora recipe for success starter kit - Google Product Search __________________ *Most of my life I've spent hunting,... the rest of it I've just wasted*

07-24-2009, 12:02 AM	#7
Cross Hair Long Tail Squirrel Hunter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Central Illinois... Middle of Nowhere Posts: 1,305	No problem dog party, glad I could help you out! I have a Jeep Liberty, so after seeing your avitar pic I knew you were good people LOL! Keep me posted how your cuttings are going! Remember to leave some good leaf structure at the tops and it is not abnormal to lose some leaves going yellow and falling off while you are keeping the humidity up for the week of developing new roots. Another tip I didnt mention was I usually make the cut at a 45 degree angle and will scuff up the end around the node above your cut that will be in your rooting compound... and I would give rockwool a try... its really alot easier IMHO with it and then you just simply plant the start rockwool and all into a pot with your potting soil to get some new growth before putting them up to winter over. Best of Luck Dont hesitate to ask if you got any questions! Theres quite a few gardners on this site so I'm sure one of us knuckleheads can answer about anything you need to know! LOL __________________ *Most of my life I've spent hunting,... the rest of it I've just wasted*

07-22-2009, 05:20 PM	#3
dog party Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 275	Thanks for the tips! I'll check into that Technaflora stuff. Sounds good. I have heard that transplanting should occur in fall, but propagating is best in spring. Is this true?

07-23-2009, 09:13 AM	#6
dog party Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 275	Thanks a TON CrossHair! Very useful info and links! I'm glad you suggested doing it now, because I was going to have a REALLY hard time waiting until next spring to try this out! I'll post up my results.