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13 July 2009
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Delphinium

Make more delphiniums

These traditional cottage garden flowers are perfect for adding height to the back of a summer border. Make new plants by taking cuttings with our guide.

What to do

  • Choose new shoots, about 7.5cm (3in) long and remove with a knife, cutting right through their firm base tissue.
  • Make a straight cut under a leaf joint and strip away the lower leaves to leave bare stem.
  • Dip the base of each cutting into hormone rooting powder (which is available from most garden suppliers) to prevent rotting and encourage roots to grow.
  • Push several cuttings around the edge of a pot filled with compost, taking care not to cover the base of leaf stalks.
  • If you're taking cuttings of several varieties, label and water well.
  • Cover pot with a plastic bag held in place with an elastic band and leave for a few weeks until the cuttings have rooted.
  • Pot the rooted cuttings into large, individual pots until they're strong enough to plant out into your border.
  • Tip: This technique can be used on other perennials that grow in a similar way, such as chrysanthemums and lupins.

  • Read More...

Time needed


20 minutes

You will need

  • Sharp gardening knife
  • 7.5cm (3in) pots
  • Free-draining compost
  • Watering can
  • Labels and pencil
  • Clear plastic bag and elastic band
  • Hormone rooting powder

In Lifestyle

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