Hello all. I'm in Zone 6b (Maryland) and in my second year of a naturalistic gardening project. I'm lucky to have several microclimates: full sun, partial sun, filtered shade, deep shade and a natural spring fed bog.
I'm going to try and propagate several perennials by the cutting method, but was wondering if it's worth the effort and what techniques to use. Everything I have coming up now was planted from 1 gallon nursery container stock. I'm putting more nursery stock in, but want to stretch my dollars.
PLANTS: Bee Balm, Leopard Bane, Purple coneflower*, black eyed Susan*, Indian blanket flower*, tickseed*, old fashioned bleeding heart.
QUESTIONS: I'm familiar w/ the basics, but was wondering what mediums are best - standard soil, sterilized starter mix, perilite or just plain water. I want to avoid damping off (fungus). Rooting hormone? Should I do it before the buds flower, or during flowering? Will there be enough time to get them established before the first frosts (late Oct.).
I have collected seed from those marked "*." Can I direct sow now in some bare spots once the last frost date has passed, or should I wait until Fall? I did the refrigerator thing and they've been at room temp. for about
3 -4weeks now. I know they probably won't bloom this year, but I'm patient. I am wondering if the seeds are viable since all the plants came from the same source and am assuming there's not much genetic diversity there, but maybe they're self pollinating.Also, can I divide the above plants w/ a knife right out of the nursery containers w/ a reasonable chance of success?
TIA for any advice. Sorry about the lengthly post. - Zing