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Summer cuttings timetable

PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
Hi - I am going to be brave and have a newbie attempt at some Convolvulus, Hebe and Parahebe cuttings.

Assuming they root (ha, ha), I know I will need to pot them on, but what are the timescales for hardening off and planting out in the garden? Autumn or next spring?

Also, do I have to have them on a window sill under a plastic bag, or can I leave them outside? (I don't have a greenhouse or propagator).

Thanks for any advice.

Posts

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    A tray with a lid would be better, as it wouldn't risk touching the foliage, as easily happens with plastic bags. You can also introduce ventilation a little at a time, by opening the vent, when beginning to harden off.
    I like seed tray sized gravel trays for this,with a thin layer of gravel/grit on the bottom, as it makes it easier to maintain an even level of humidity. If pots do get a little dry on a hot day it can be hard to re-wet them without dunking, which is a faff, as the water runs straight off the compost and out of the bottom of a seed tray with holes.
    A lidded tray outside in a shady spot should be fine. Unless they grow exceptionally fast, it will most likely be spring before they are big enough to plant out without setback. You may need to pot on more than once; overwinter them somewhere sheltered, as smaller plants will be more vulnerable.
  • PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
    @Buttercupdays - great, thanks for that. I'll see if I can get a lidded tray - good excuse for a trip to the GC!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I wouldn't expect any hebe cuttings to be big enough to plant out next year, so be prepared to grow them on a bit longer   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
    @Fairygirl - thanks. As I've said before, patience is not one of my virtues!  :)
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Just haud yer haun' as we would say here  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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