Have you ever wanted to grow your own Dahlia plants from cuttings? If so, you have come to the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of taking Dahlia cuttings Sarah Raven style.
You will learn about the benefits of propagating Dahlia plants, as well as how to select healthy stems for cuttings, cut the stem, apply rooting hormone, plant the cuttings, and care for the cuttings.
So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
To take dahlia cuttings, start by cutting the stem just below a node (where a leaf is attached), leaving about 4-5 inches of stem.
Make sure to use a sharp knife or scissors to avoid damaging the stem.
Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone and plant it in moist soil, making sure the node is at least partially covered.
Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a bright, warm spot to encourage rooting.
Overview of Dahlia Cuttings
Dahlia cuttings are a great way to propagate your beautiful dahlia plants and create more of the same variety of blooms.
These cuttings are relatively easy to take and can be done with just a few simple steps.
In this blog post, we will explore the tips and tricks from Sarah Raven, a well-known florist and garden designer, to ensure successful dahlia cuttings.
When taking dahlia cuttings, it is important to select healthy stems that are at least three inches in length and have several pairs of leaves.
The stem should be cut just below a leaf node and the lower leaves should be removed from the cutting.
The cutting should then be dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a pot filled with gritty soil.
The pot should be placed in a warm spot and kept moist by misting the soil occasionally.
In general, the cuttings should root in about four to six weeks.
Benefits of Propagating Dahlia Plants
Propagating dahlia plants is a great way to increase your gardens beauty without having to buy more plants.
Its also an economical way to obtain the same beautiful blooms in your garden.
By taking dahlia cuttings, you can produce multiple plants from just one, as the cuttings will grow into new plants with the same characteristics as the parent plant.
This method of propagation is easy and relatively quick; in four to six weeks, youll have beautiful dahlias growing in your garden.
Moreover, propagating dahlia plants can be a great learning experience.
By growing your own dahlias, you can better understand how plants grow and develop, helping you become a better gardener.
In addition, propagating dahlias can be a fun and creative activity for the whole family to enjoy.
Finally, propagating dahlias is an environmentally-friendly way to grow plants.
By propagating your own dahlias, you can reduce your reliance on commercial nurseries and reduce your carbon footprint.
This can help you contribute to a healthier planet and create a more sustainable garden.
Selecting Healthy Stems for Cuttings
When it comes to taking dahlia cuttings, its important to make sure you choose healthy stems.
According to Sarah Raven, a well-known florist and garden designer, the stems should be at least three inches in length and have several pairs of leaves.
If you have multiple stems to choose from, select the ones that are the healthiest and have the most leaves.
It’s best to take cuttings from stems that are in the middle of their growth cycle, as these are the most likely to produce successful cuttings.
When trimming the stems, it’s important to cut them just below the leaf nodes.
This will ensure that the cutting has enough leaves to sustain its growth.
Once the stem is cut, remove any lower leaves that are close to the cutting.
This will help to prevent the cutting from using up too much energy trying to maintain them.
Once the cuttings are ready, you can move on to the next step of the process.
Cutting the Stem
When taking dahlia cuttings, it is important to choose healthy stems that are at least three inches in length and have several pairs of leaves.
Begin by cutting the stem just below a leaf node, which is the point where the stem joins the leaf.
When doing this, make sure to use sharp pruning shears or scissors to ensure a clean cut that wont damage the stem.
Once the stem is cut, remove any lower leaves from the cutting.
This will help the stem to focus on forming roots instead of using energy to form leaves.
It is important to note that the cutting must be taken from a healthy stem in order to have the best chance of success.
Applying Rooting Hormone
Applying rooting hormone is an important step in taking dahlia cuttings that need to be done before placing the cuttings in a pot filled with gritty soil.
Rooting hormone helps to encourage faster root growth and increase the chances of successful propagation.
Sarah Raven recommends using a rooting hormone powder, which can be purchased at most gardening stores.
Before dipping the cutting into the powder, use a pair of sterilized clippers to make a clean cut just below a leaf node and remove the lower leaves from the cutting.
Then, hold the cutting with one hand and dip the cut end into the powder.
Shake off any excess powder and place the cutting into the soil.
Make sure to apply the rooting hormone to the fresh cut surface only.
If the cut surface of the cutting is exposed to air for too long, it can dry out and the cuttings won’t take root.
Planting the Cuttings
Once you have chosen healthy stems and cut them, its time to plant the cuttings.
First, dip the cutting in a rooting hormone to help it take root more quickly.
This hormone helps stimulate the growth of roots and speeds up the process of the cutting growing into a full-fledged dahlia plant.
After dipping the cutting into the hormone, place it into a pot filled with a gritty soil.
Make sure the soil is moist, but not wet, and that the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
Cover the pot with a plastic bag to help retain moisture, and place the pot in a warm area.
Be sure to water the pot and mist the soil occasionally, as this will help the cutting root properly and prevent it from drying out.
According to Sarah Raven, the cuttings should take root in about four to six weeks.
If you want to give your cuttings an extra boost, you can use a rooting stimulator or a fertilizer to help them take root faster.
Once the cuttings have taken root, remove the plastic bag and move the pot outdoors or into a sunny spot.
Caring for the Cuttings
Once you have taken your cuttings, there are a few steps you must take to ensure that they are properly cared for and thrive.
First, you must keep the cuttings moist.
To do this, make sure to mist the soil with a spray bottle every few days.
You can also place a plastic bag over the pot to keep the moisture in.
Be sure to check the soil regularly and water it when it is dry.
Second, provide your cuttings with bright, indirect sunlight.
Placing the pot in a warm spot such as a windowsill is ideal.
However, avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause the cuttings to dry out too quickly.
Third, make sure to fertilize your cuttings regularly.
Use a balanced fertilizer formulated for dahlias and apply it to the soil every two weeks.
This will provide the nutrients your cuttings need to thrive.
Finally, be patient! It can take four to six weeks for the cuttings to root and begin to grow.
If you find that the cuttings are taking longer to root, try adjusting the temperature of the spot where the pot is located or increasing the amount of water you give.
With patience and proper care, your dahlia cuttings should soon be ready to transplant into your garden!
Final Thoughts
Taking dahlia cuttings is an easy way to propagate your dahlia plants and create beautiful blooms.
Sarah Raven’s simple tips make it easy to successfully take dahlia cuttings.
It’s a great way to get started with propagating your own plants! Now that you know the basics, get out there and start propagating your own dahlia plants today!