How to propagate hydrangea in autumn: methods, cuttings

The gardener carries out propagation hydrangeas Cuttings in the fall using hardwood cuttings. The first rule is that it is permissible to use seed material that has been grown indoors for a long time in a container or box. Large-leaf, tree-like, and panicle hydrangeaThe second rule is to carry out the procedure from late September to mid-October. The timing should be chosen so that it is completed 4-5 days before the onset of frost.

Pros and cons

Before starting to propagate a plant by cuttings, the gardener analyzes the pros and cons.

Increased sensitivity to cold is a nuance that a gardener always remembers.

Methods of reproduction

Using cuttings isn't the only option. Alternative technologies are used depending on the climate and the variety's requirements.

Stages of implementation

Properly propagating hydrangea cuttings at home doesn't require any experience. Start with a healthy, undamaged cutting that's 10 cm long.

The cuttings for planting are done in the morning. The more moisture the branches have at the time of cutting, the better. The further procedure is as follows:

• It is forbidden to leave the cuttings without moisture - as soon as they are cut, they are immediately placed in a container with liquid;
• For cutting, use green branches - before you start, you need to make sure that they are not woody;
• cutting begins with the lower and lateral shoots;
• the top is removed;
• The cut shoots are divided into several cuttings - each of them should have 3 pairs of leaves;
• cuts are always made at an angle;
• After cutting, the seed material is placed in a container with water, to which 10-12 drops of any growth stimulator have been added;
• the seed material is placed in a container with water so that the leaves do not get wet;
• the container with cuttings is sent to a dark place;
• It is forbidden to plant the plant in an open place - the less light, the better the hydrangea feels.

All manipulations are performed using clean gardening tools, which are disinfected after each use.

Planting of planting material

Three hours before planting, dip the top cut into melted paraffin. If paraffin is unavailable, use wax instead. The second requirement is proper soil preparation. Use peat mixed with sand in a 1:2 ratio. If you can't find these ingredients, purchase azalea soil from a store. Further recommendations for propagating hydrangeas at home are as follows:

• the soil is moistened using a sprayer;
• cuttings are planted at a recommended depth of 3 cm;
• planting is carried out so that the upper leaves do not touch the soil;
• the seed material is covered with a bottle or jar;
• the cuttings are planted 7 cm further from the other;
• The soil is covered with a 2.5-centimeter layer of sand.

The intensity of watering depends on whether the gardener has covered the seedlings. If so, watering should be done at the beginning and end of the week. The jars should not be removed during watering. Gardeners who haven't covered the seedlings will spend more time on this procedure. They should be watered with a spray bottle every morning and evening.

Rooting and further care

The process will take up to 30-40 days, depending on the variety chosen. The first sign that the hydrangea has rooted is swelling buds and the appearance of leaves. Do not remove the jars (bottles) covering the cuttings until both signs are visible. After removing the protective covering, provide the seedlings with regular watering. This is done by misting twice a week. The gardener's job is to constantly monitor the temperature. A temperature drop of 5 degrees Celsius or higher is considered critical. If this occurs, the seedlings will not survive until spring.

As soon as the weather outside turns spring-like, the seedlings are planted outdoors. If the garden size allows, the hydrangeas should be kept in a small area for the first 1-2 months. This compact planting will test the viability of the seedlings. If no problems arise, the seedlings are transplanted to their permanent location.

Hardening off the seedling

The stage on which the result depends. Hardening is carried out as follows:

• within 14 days, containers with seedlings are placed outside;
• the duration of the daily “walk” is 10 minutes;
• Each subsequent day will add 5 minutes to the specified figure.

If the plant has survived being taken out into the fresh air, then it transplanted to a permanent location.

Varietal propagation characteristics

Each of the three hydrangea species has its own unique characteristics. The more information a gardener has about them, the better.

A key feature of propagating cuttings in the fall is that the seedlings are first placed in a pot. The plant spends the winter indoors. Once stable warm weather arrives, it is transplanted into open ground. The key to success is protecting the seedlings from the elements and providing regular watering. The watering rate is determined by whether the seedlings are covered or not. Experienced gardeners recommend using plastic bags as a cover. They have proven to be more effective than plastic bottles or jars.