Hi, again!
Perhaps all of you butterfly-meisters can refresh my memory on how to propagate some of the most popular butterfly nectar and larval plants --- Do you use cuttings? Seeding? Divisions?
In our area, I think it might be a good time to try to start some new Buddleia from cuttings (?). And what about Asclepias currasavica-- I know that is often started from cuttings--but is there a special time to start them?
I don't know a lot about propagation (I am a rank beginner) but perhaps someone out there with experience could 'hit the highlights' on some of the more popular BF flowers...
Thanks (in advance) for the review! t.
Butterfly garden plant propagation 101?? Cuttings? Seed?
tabasco-
I've never done Buddleia but the milkweed's easy. Take your cutting (you want at least 3 sets of leaves) then remove 2 sets,dip the end in water(to take away some of that milky sap) Rooting hormone(i've heard a liquid will work better on this plant) then tuck into your soil mixture. Use a pencil to make the hole so that pushing it into the soil won't take off all of the chemical. Then just keep it moist and out of direct sunlight...3 weeks and you should have some roots.
Adrienne
Thanks, asafla, for your good step by step.
I'm going to invest in some rooting hormone. I thought I had a good bit of milkweed, but after reading some of the posts if I ever do get some cats, I'm sure to run short.
Cuttings sound fairly easy as long as you're willing to 'tend' them until they can go into the garden....
I have been known to just stick Milkweed branches right into the ground when I am pruning them and they have sprouted. (Some don't, but most do root and grow into new plants!) No special care or treatment beforehand.