Oh no! Hydrangeas again?!? Sorry, but I love these flowers so much that I can’t stop writing about them! I promise you’ll like the article! Let’s go?!?
Although clashing viewpoints exist on this topic, experienced growers stand by the idea that September & October is truly the best month for hydrangea propagation. And, in a moment, you’ll learn exactly why.
This article will walk you through the step-by-step process of hydrangea propagation and enlighten you with reasons why September might be the ideal time to carry out this procedure.
Let’s get straight into it, shall we?
So, When Should I Propagate Hydrangeas?
Timing is crucial when it comes to propagating hydrangeas.
The ideal time to propagate hydrangeas is when the temperature is slightly chilly and sunlight isn’t as scorching as it would be in mid-summer.
Propagating hydrangeas in September & October is typically a good idea considering temperature conditions will be softer, meaning plant cuttings won’t be placed under excessive stress.
Early propagation also provides new plants with the opportunity to develop stronger root systems by spring.
How to Propagate Hydrangea Cuttings in Potting Soil
Propagating hydrangeas in potting soil is one of the most straightforward methods to increase your hydrangea collection. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you propagate hydrangeas successfully.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
First and foremost, it’s crucial that you get healthy and firm hydrangea stems that are ideally 5-6 inches long and have a minimum of 3 leaves around the lower portion.
If there are any leaves hanging at the top, cut them off using sharp pruning shears. In most cases, you want stems that are rather fresh and haven’t been lying around for too long.
If you want, you can even dip the cuttings in rooting hormone to encourage quicker and more efficient growth upon potting.
Before you begin, make sure you have the following materials on hand:
Step 2: Prepare Your Potting Mix
Generic potting mix can be used to propagate hydrangeas and grow new cuttings very well. However, keep in mind to use a potting mix that offers good drainage.
In case there are no such options, you can simply add perlite or coarse sand to modify your generic potting soil to accommodate proper drainage and airflow.
Step 3: Plant Cuttings
Add your modified potting soil into a large enough pot and dig small holes in the soil.
Stick each cutting into that hole and try to keep it as upright as possible. Make sure at least one leaf node is deep inside the soil for the best root development.
Additionally, try not to plant all cuttings in one pot and overcrowd them. Space each cutting 2-3 inches apart from each other and give them enough space to grow freely.
Step 4: Hydrate & Trap Humidity
Properly hydrating hydrangea cuttings after propagation is crucial to kickstart the rooting process.
If you deprive your newly propagated hydrangeas of water, they can become stressed and even fail to develop proper root systems.
Make sure your cuttings are well-hydrated and able to accommodate new growth.
In the initial period, you can cover your cuttings with some sort of plastic bag to help retain moisture and humidity, which can keep them from drying out.
If you want, you can also use some homemade fertilizers. I have the best ones here.
Step 5: Monitor & Make Adjustments As Needed
So, the cuttings have been propagated and hydrated well; that means work is done, right? Well, not so soon…
Monitoring progress is an important aspect of plant propagation. You can’t just plant cuttings, give them some attention every once in a while, and expect them to grow into gigantic plants that bloom heaven.
Checking up on your newly propagated cuttings regularly and observing root development will not only allow you to make beneficial adjustments in time but also prevent disease, pest growth, or rot before it causes any serious damage.
Conclusion
The ideal time to propagate hydrangeas is definitely September and October.
The season’s milder weather accommodates growth and won’t be harsh enough to scorch newly developing leaves. This isn’t set in stone though, so you can probably get away with propagating anytime you want.
Hopefully, the step-by-step guide comes in handy.
Thank you for your help! Most of the stems on my hydrangeas look dead. I am not a Gardner but try. Not many blooms this year and black spots on all the leaves. What should I do to prevent the black spots.
Hi Brenda!
You’re welcome! The black spots are likely a fungal issue. Remove affected leaves, water at the base to keep foliage dry, and improve air circulation. You can also apply a fungicide in the spring. Your hydrangeas should bounce back with these steps! 🌸
Thanks for info. Last blooms of season I brought in and placed in picher of water. My intent was to let them dry out. love the look of dried blooms. About 4 kept their color but were drying. So figured it was time to dump the water and wash the vase. Then I could put the dried back to enjoy. Imagine my surprise when I have 3″ roots growing on each. Now I put back in water but don’t know what to do next. cut the blooms off and plant? can I grow inside or do they need to get cold?
Hi Karen!
What an amazing surprise! Yes, you can cut the blooms off to focus the plant’s energy on the roots. Once the roots are a bit stronger (about 4-6 inches long), you can plant the cuttings in well-draining potting soil. Hydrangeas can grow indoors for a while, but they’ll eventually need a cool dormant period to thrive long-term. If you can, keep them in a spot with bright, indirect light until they’re ready to go outside! 🌸😊