What is the best way to take cuttings, so I have more plants this spring?

Question

I dug up and saved some unique geraniums from last summer. They are growing well in pots over this winter. What is the best way to take cuttings, so I have more plants this spring?

Answer 1

Kritika gave excellent advice. The only thing that I can add to that is that talcum powder works well if you don't have any rooting powder.

Answer 2

Cuttings usually are taken from outdoor geraniums in late summer or early fall. Cut off 3-4-inch shoots, and remove the leaves on the lower part of the stem. A rooting hormone, available at most garden centers, can stimulate root production. Dip the bottom of the cutting in the powder, and shake off the excess. Then, stick the cuttings in a rooting medium of coarse sand or a mixture of coarse sand and sphagnum peat moss (1:1 by volume). A flowerpot or wooden container that holds 3-4 inches of rooting medium and has bottom drainage holes is sufficient. To allow air movement and prevent the rapid spread of disease, separate the cuttings so that they do not touch each other. Water the cuttings thoroughly. Cover the container and its contents with a plastic bag, and place in a brightly lit location, but out of direct sunlight. It is better to keep the cuttings and rooting medium somewhat dry to decrease the chance of disease. Roots should develop in 3-4 weeks. After the cuttings have rooted, place each in a separate pot in good-quality potting soil without plastic covering, and set in a well-lit spot such as a south window.