PERENNIALS > OSTEOSPERMUM > CUTTINGS
IN THIS GUIDE
OSTEOSPERMUM GUIDES
Common ProblemsCuttings PropagationGrowing From SeedPruningVarietiesWinter Care
Osteospermums are sometimes known as African daisy – and it ’s not difficult to see why .
Their disc - like heyday are reminiscent of daisies in bod and structure , while the spectrum of colors they are available in is more in keeping with the showiness and plangency of the African continent .
One other equipment characteristic influenced by their native land is the semi - hardiness of osteospermum .
Although more resilient than some other specimen , they will often fail if the quicksilver drops below -5 ° coulomb .
In the UK , that ’s a reasonably regular occurrence , think it may make more sensation to take slip and replant them the following year , rather than trying to overwinter your specimens .
The good news is that propagate osteospermum from cut is a straightforward process that should n’t exhibit too many difficulties .
Simply follow these book of instructions and you wo n’t go far wrong :
If you ’re still feeling shy about how to come on the propagation of osteospermum from cutting , do n’t vex .
We ’ll deal each whole tone in more contingent below .
1) Take Your Cuttings
Although it ’s potential to take your newspaper clipping at other clip of the year , doing so in summertime will ensure that the plant is in its best potential state of wellness .
It will also give you raft of time to root the cutting and prepare them for organ transplant outside the following year .
“ Harvesting cuttings first thing in the morning is a good idea , as plants ordinarily have their moisture story top up overnight , ” says Master Horticulturist Peter Lickorish .
Choose non - flowering shoots and slice off a 5 cm distance of the stem from the confidential information downwards .
double as many fourth dimension as desired .
“ Place harvested cuttings in a moistened plastic bag to keep them humid until you ’re quick to prepare them , but do n’t delay too long , ” Peter adds .
“ They will still lose cherished moisture every moment between being fill off from their parent plant life and being placed in damp compost . ”
2) Prepare Your Module Tray
Whether using segmented trays or plant the cuttings right away into a shared potbelly , you should plan to give one enough space ( at least 2 - 3cm2and preferably more ) for it to develop .
You should live seemly outcome with any cuttings compost intermixture , but you’re able to enhance the chance of your cuttings taking root by grit , perlite or sand ( for drain ) into the mix .
3) Plant The Cuttings
When it add up time to imbed the cuttings , gear up each one by strip off its lower leaves , keeping at least two , and making a modest incision in the radical with a sharp knife just below a leaf node .
This forms the base of the cutting .
Then , sink this groundwork of the cutting in hormone root powder and put it in the mental faculty tray .
tauten the soil around its theme down gently and piss soundly , label each specimen as you go .
4) Cultivate Growth
Care for your cuttings by keeping them moist , warm and well - ventilated .
you’re able to do this by placing perforate clingfilm over the top of the stain , though this step is not strictly necessary .
You should , however , assure that the ambient temperature of the room or glasshouse in which the film editing is locate does not cast below 15 ° C .
irrigate your cutting on a regular basis but sparingly , keep them moist but not waterlogged .
5) Prepare For Transplantation
Around 2 - 3 hebdomad before you plan to move your specimen alfresco , you should prepare them for the drop in temperature by season the cut .
you could do this by opening a windowpane nearby or move them outdoors for an 60 minutes at a time .
“ This is also a good time to move the cut into bigger or case-by-case containers if you have not already done so , ” shares Peter .
Meanwhile , you should also prepare the outdoor terrain in which you will set them .
Work it over thoroughly using a trowel , being careful to choose a spot which savor plenteous sunshine , good drainage and at least some protection from the elements .
6) Transplant Outdoors
By now , your osteospermum press cutting should have established themselves well and render decent foliage maturation .
This mean that they are ready to be moved outdoors – though you should n’t do so before the last frost of winter has top .
embed your press clipping at 20 - 25 cm intervals so as to allow plenty of room for their roots to raise .
sneak off the top of the base within 2 - 3 days of transplantation to boost sidelong development and achieve a bushy plant .
7) Plant Aftercare
In normal conditions , your osteospermum plants should n’t require too much watering after they have deal root in the outside soil .
You do n’t need them to become waterlogged or the roots will die , but neither do you want them to become parched – so keep an eye on rainfall and urine in time of drouth .
you’re able to fertilise the plant every 3 calendar week or so with a mineral - establish mixture , as well asmulching around the baseto prevent weeds from inhibiting their emergence .
Prune the plant as necessary to achieve the desired build and prolong blooming .
