How to take cuttings from alpines
Many alpine plants can easily be raised from cuttings. Find out how to propagate your own, in our guide.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| To do | yes | yes | yes |
Many alpines, such as gentian, flower in spring on last year's stems, then put on growth for flowering next year. The new shoots that follow make excellent cutting material, and can be placed in a cold greenhouse, or outside in a shady spot, to encourage rooting. To ensure success, be sure that the cuttings don't dry out.
Find out how to take cuttings from spring-flowering alpines, below.
You Will Need
- Spring-flowering alpines
- Knife
- Deep 5cm or 8cm pots
- Horticultural grit
- Loam topsoil
- Horticultural sand
Step 1
Detach a non-flowering shoot, with roots, and remove basal foliage, leaving a rosette of foliage at the top.
Step 2
Mix grit, loam and horticultural sand to make a free-draining compost.
Step 3
Insert the cutting up to its rosette. Add gritty mulch to the surface to ensure the crown stays dry and doesn't rot.
Festive subscription offer
Save 51% on the shop price. Subscribe to BBC Gardeners' World Magazine today and get 6 months of free seeds for Spring 2025.
Year Planner 2025 on sale
Starting to plan your gardening year? The Year Planner 2025 is packed with expert advice from the Gardeners’ World team, to ensure you have your best gardening year yet.
Discover our new digital travel brochure
Whether it's a thrilling Arctic cruise or a charming getaway to historic Bath, our NEW travel brochure has exciting options for everyone.
Discover Dangerous Plants
From witchcraft to murder mysteries, uncover the power of plants in the new BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast series.
