When I was young, I used to view cutting flowers as an absolutely heinous crime. I mean…they looked so beautiful and innocent, so can you really blame me?
In recent times, cut-and-grow flowers have taken gardening forums by storm; people are interested in this flower category all of a sudden. However, with its rising popularity, I see a lot of misinformation being spread too.
Since June is approaching, I thought, why not help people cut through all the noise and actually pick the right cut-and-grow flowers for their gardens?
Why June Is Ideal For Propagation?
To realize why the month of June is ideal for propagation, you first need to understand softwood cuttings. When these cuttings are taken from new growth, they root more readily in the summer season.
Weather conditions are also typically optimal around this time. Warm temperatures and increased daylight promote root development at a much quicker rate.
Cut-&-Grow Flowers Ideal For June
1: Coleus
Although coleus is mainly known for its dark and majestic foliage, it also offers vibrant flowers that complement the leaves really well. It roots easily in both water and soil.
2: Salvia
Salvia is an aromatic herb that establishes relatively quickly from cuttings. June provides the perfect temperature and conditions that can accommodate salvia growth.
3: Hydrangea
For hydrangea propagation in June, you want to take 4-6 inch plant cuttings, remove the lower leaves, and dip them in rooting hormone to promote growth.
4: Artemisia
Artemisia produces silvery foliage that’s visually striking and is perfect for creating contrast in the garden. It prefers well-draining soil for optimal rooting.
5: Fuchsia
For fuchsias, you want to take softwood cuttings before June. This vibrant flowering plant roots easily in water or moist soil. However, you must keep it shaded during the rooting process to limit the chances of sun/heat damage.
6: Pelargonium (Zonal Geraniums)
Snap off healthy pelargonium stems and allow them to callus for 1-2 days. This flower roots best in soil and is super reliable.
7: Verbena
Non-woody verbena cuttings can root really well in warm conditions. This plant is ideal for hanging baskets or borders, providing both beauty and a sweet, floral fragrance.
8: Nemesia
Nemesia propagates well from stem cuttings in early summer. You definitely want to pinch the tips of this one to keep the plant thick and bushy.
9: Diascia
Soft-stemmed diascia cuttings can root quickly as long as they’re kept in bright, indirect light while rooting.
10: Lantana
Semi-woody lantana cuttings root best with bottom heat. They’re a great pollinator-friendly option suitable for most gardens.
11: Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea Batatas – Ornamental)
Cut sweet potato vine stems root very quickly in water. Gardeners can plant them for colorful trailing arrangements.
12: Million Bells (Calibrachoa)
Take 3-5 inch tip cuttings from million bells and remove the lower leaves before planting. Rooting for this flowering plant takes roughly 10–14 days.
Step-By-Step Propagation Guide
Prepare the cuttings:
When acquiring cuttings for propagation, you want to use sterilized tools to ensure cleanliness and lower any chances of fungal infections. Cut just below the node and use rooting hormone around the cut end of the stems to boost rooting speed.
Pick the right rooting medium:
Different rooting mediums work for different plants. Water is typically suitable for coleus and salvias, whereas hydrangea and artemisia prefer soil for optimal rooting.
Provide aftercare:
In terms of aftercare for newly propagated plants, you basically want to maintain humidity as much as possible and protect them from harsh, direct sunlight.
Place them under a plastic cover to promote humidity, and move the pots to an area with only indirect sunlight.
Let’s Conclude
Although propagating cut-and-grow flowers in June is rather unconventional, that doesn’t mean it can’t work. Believe it or not, slight strategic thinking and some common sense take you very far! However, you also want to be diligent enough to follow through with solid aftercare and ensure your flowers have all their needs and requirements met.
People who’re particularly passionate about gardening can do this really well, and the aftercare part will likely come as second nature to them.
Now, give some flower options from the list above a shot in your garden and let me know in the comments below how it went!
