MARCH - BASAL CUTTINGS

Now is the perfect time to take basal cuttings from any perennial that makes multiple stems from one crown, such as Delphiniums and Lupins. Scrape the soil away from the base of the plant, then with a sharp knife carefully cut away new shoots approx 8-10 cm in length close to the crown. At this stage of growth basal stems are solid whereas later they become hollow and then they will rot rather than root. Fill a 1 litre pot with a gritty, loam-based compost and insert up to 5 cuttings, evenly spaced, around the edge. Water in, cover the tops with a clear polythene bag and place in a cold frame. At the first sight of the roots at the bottom (probably in 4-5 weeks) transplant the cuttings into individual pots. Harden them off before planting out later in the season.