TAKE CUTTINGS OF THE FRAGRANT PINK

Evening Star, Issue 23421, 11 November 1939, Page 6

TAKE CUTTINGS OF THE FRAGRANT PINK

Old plants of pink are apt to become very untidy and weak at the base, and it is therefore a gctod plan to .raise new plants each season! Although pro- . pagation by means, .pf; ' slips, or pipings, ciur be carried [ out tliipughout the summer, ‘ the iiew growths made soon after flowering lias finished root more readily and form ■ better' plants than those taken later in the year. New shoots, suitable for cuttings or slips, will be found in quantity at the base of the plants. To form cuttings, the shoots are severed just below a node (the junction of two leaves) near the parent plant. A safety-razor blade or a sharp knife may be used. A slip consists of the whole of the growth, which is removed from the plant by being forced downwards, causing the growth to be detached with a ‘ heel.” Both forms are prepared for insertion by stripping off the lower leaves, leaving a bare stem measuring, about Sin long. Pipings are prepared in the same manner. They . are obtained by pulling a shoot upwards until it comes away at the joint. If weather conditions are favourable and the bed can be kept moderately moist, slips and pipings may be inserted- in ordinary soil. Holes should be made 3in apart with a dibber, and deep enough to allow the tuft of foliage to remain at 'soil level. The shoots must be made firm in the ground. In heavy soil a little silver sand may be placed in the bottom of the holes before insertion. Cuttings root more readily if inserted, in a prepared bed made in a shaded cold frame. The soil in the body of, the frame merely requires to b'e made porous by the addition of coarse silver sand. The prepared cuttings are inserted 3in apart in rows made din away from each, other. Press the soil firmly round the cuttings and water thoroughly. Tim frame light should be put in position and allowed to, remain until new roots have been formed. Air may then be admitted by degrees and water given when needed! Do not overwater for roots will be made more readily if the cuttings are kept somewhat dry