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How to reproduce hydrangeas

How to reproduce hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are one of the most highly valued ornamental plants, as their flower heads or inflorescences, with small but large flowers as a whole, are tremendously decorative and striking. Since these are plants with a great diversity of types and varieties, it is very common to want to reproduce a specific plant that we have or have seen in order to enjoy it to a greater extent. Luckily, the hydrangea propagation It is not difficult and it is enough to follow a few steps and indications so that it goes well and without problems.

If you want to learn how the hydrangea plant reproduces, join us in this EcologíaVerde article in which you will see a practical guide on how to reproduce hydrangeas by cuttings and seeds.

When to reproduce hydrangeas

The most common method to reproduce hydrangeas is by cutting, since it allows faster reproduction and, in this way, we are sure that the new plant will have the same characteristics as those of the mother plant. Y when to take hydrangea cuttings? The ideal time to take hydrangea cuttings is after flowering, which normally occurs in autumn.

On the other hand, if what we are looking for is to plant hydrangea seedsthe best time to do this will be both spring and autumn, depending on the local climate, so that the seedlings are not exposed to very extreme temperatures.

Reproduce hydrangeas by cuttings

The cutting technique is a way of reproducing plants in which we cut a small branch or stem from a parent plant to plant it and give rise to a new individual, genetically the same as the parent and, therefore, with the same characteristics. follow these steps to reproduce hydrangeas by cuttings:

  1. The first thing you should do is cut the cutting, of course. Be sure to disinfect pruning shears, although you can also use a knife if it is very well sharpened and disinfected as well. It is very important that the cut is made on the bias, diagonally, and that it is as clean as possible, in order to make it easier for the plant to heal the wound without being attacked by pests or diseases through the weak point.
  2. For the multiplication of hydrangeas by cutting, it is enough to obtain a stem at least 10 cm, with at least three nodes and new buds. If the stem is very long, several cuttings can be obtained from one.
  3. After this, all the leaves of the last node of the cutting are removed, cutting them at the base of the node and leaving only half of the remaining ones. Thanks to this leaf cleaningwe minimize the dehydration that the new plant will suffer from its leaves.
  4. Keep the cut cuttings in a damp towel or absorbent paper so they don’t dry out.
  5. Next is to prepare the substrate for cutting. The ideal is to use a mixture like the seedbed: peat, earthworm humus and coconut fiber in equal parts, together with vermiculite and perlite. Adding perlite and vermiculite to an acid soil plant mix mixed with sand also gives good results.
  6. Once the seedbed or pot is prepared with the new substrate, make a hole with a stick and you can go on to plant hydrangeas by cutting inserting them about 2 cm into the mixture. You can help yourself with a little growth hormone or homemade organic rooting to improve the chances of success of the cutting.
  7. After this, it will suffice water the cuttings and place them in a sheltered area, in the shade and with good humidity. In about 20 days, your hydrangea cuttings should have rooted, but it’s best to wait for bud growth before transplanting.
How to reproduce hydrangeas - Reproduce hydrangeas by cuttings

Reproduce hydrangeas by seeds

Although it is less common in the cultivation of hydrangeas, it is also possible to multiply this plant in a traditional way: by seeds. follow these steps to reproduce hydrangeas by seeds:

  1. To start, of course, you will need the seeds. How to get hydrangea seeds? The safest thing is to buy them from a trusted nursery or from a plant in good condition that you have or someone you know has.
  2. If you plant your hydrangea in a pot, choose a good-sized container with drainage holes. Prepare a substrate rich in organic matterbecause these plants need it.
  3. spread the seeds through the soil or substrate and add a few centimeters of soil on top, then water with a fine sprayer so that the water does not drag the seeds.
  4. You must hold true humidity level in the ground until the seeds germinate and the seedlings have become strong, so it is necessary to water frequently, but always without flooding the substrate.
  5. It is preferable to plant in seedbed or in a semi-shaded area so that, once the small plants have become strong, transplant them to their final location, which must be illuminated. the transplant It should always be done between the end of autumn and the beginning of winter, before the plant comes out of vegetative rest.
  6. The most important thing in the care of young hydrangeas is to maintain very frequent watering during their first year or two of life.

Now that you have learned how to reproduce hydrangeas, we recommend you read the rest of the guides that we have at EcologíaVerde about these plants:

  • How to plant hydrangeas.
  • Hydrangea care.
  • How to care for potted hydrangeas.
  • How to prune hydrangeas.
  • Blue hydrangeas: care and how to grow them.

If you want to read more articles similar to How to reproduce hydrangeaswe recommend that you enter our category .

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