Make Cuttings From Pinks

How do I make cuttings from Cheddar pinks? I want to add some of these plants to other aeas in my yard.

Bill

Hey Bill,

Now I don't normally grow pinks but I do know a little bit about cutting. The good thing I do know about pinks is that you can grow whole new plants in a couple of ways. One of course is cutting and the other is by dividing.

Dividing:

Dividing Pinks is probably the easiest route to go. This method requires you to dig up part of the plant with a rooted stem and then transfer it elsewhere leaving the parent plant. The good thing about this is that you can reduce older parts of the plant making room for newer plants to spread and grow. You can remove diseased portions of your pinks if you need preventing further spread of the disease.

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Cutting:

Pinks are one of the fine plants where cutting can be done to create new plants. Cutting is a bit more difficult to do and can be done in two ways. You can make root cuts and you can make stem cuts.

Root Cutting:

Root cutting is better done towards the spring but seems to take longer to get plants growing than stem cutting. This requires you to dig down by the plant and cut a couple of roots. Keep in mind that you will want to know the top part of the root and the bottom. The part that is closest to the main root is the top.

Choose roots that come off of a main root typically a little thicker than others. When you have a couple of good roots you will need to cut the root into sections. For thinner/finer roots they should be in about 1 inch sections and for thicker roots go with 1 to 2-1/2 inch sections. It is best to keep track of what is the top and bottom of the root as you do this. So make your sections starting at the top. Go your desired length and make your cut at an angle. Put the section to the side. The next cut will be from the top which should now be angled. Remove the angled cut by cutting it again straight across. Then go your desired length and make an angled cut. And repeat the cutting steps. Your sections should all have a straight edge and an angled edge. When done properly the straight edge will always be the top (which was the closest to the main root).

All you should have to do is plant your root cuttings horizontal or vertical (best for thicker cuttings). Vertical plantings is simply done by poking the angled part of the root down into the soil until about 1/4 is above the soil which should be the horizontal top cut of the root. For horizontal planting you simply grade the soil down about an inch or so and then lay the roots horizontally. Then cover the roots with good soil back to level. With either method you should plant many in the ground or container as some will not take and others will. You can always thin them out or divide them later.

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Stem Cutting:

From what most gardeners have said to me is that Pinks are wonderful plants to for stem cutting. Some recommend that the cuttings are taken after the blooming season. But I am unsure about this with Pinks.

You will want to have well draining soil to where water can pass through easily yet retains moisture. It is best to plant in containers first as you can move them and control temperatures as well as create a mini greenhouse structure with sticks and plastic so that the plastic does not touch the cuttings.

When you take stem cuttings this should be done as quick as possible so determine how much you will need for one container and only take that amount and plant those. You can always go back for more. When you take a cutting from a parent plant you will want the cutting to be fresh new growth. Typically a new stem off of a parent stem. You will want to use a very sharp knife as you do not want to pinch or crush the stem. You should only need about 3-5 inches of new growth. Choose growth that look strong and have good leaves at the top. Any leaves on or side shoots on the lower parts should be removed also. If you attempt to make cuttings from stems with buds or blooms these should also be removed.

When you get your desired amount inspect your first cut. If the cut does not appear to be done well just make another clean cut. Sometimes this is easier when the stem is off the plant. You can then dip the lower part of the stem in rooting powder (you can find this in most gardening stores for cheap) then make a hole and plant it in your container. It should be planted about the depth of about 1/2 of the length of the stem. When you are done firm the soil, water, then cover your greenhouse. Be sure to let air into the greenhouse for a couple hours each day. Once the stems produce roots about 1/4 to 1/2-inch roots you can then carefully remove the new plants and transplant them wherever you like.

I hope this helps you out!