Basal Cuttings

When to take basal cuttings

Basal stem cuttings are best taken in mid- to late spring. They can be taken from plants growing in the garden or plants that have been potted and are growing in the greenhouse. The advantage of potting and growing them indoors is that the plant will start shooting earlier and therefore cuttings can be taken sooner.

How to take basal cuttings

Choose some healthy looking shoots that just have appeared and are about 1½ to 2 in (3.5 to 5 cm) high. Cut them as closely as possible at the base of the stem taking off some of the woody base at the bottom. Use a sharp knife for the best result. Take off the lower leaves and dip the stem into hormone rooting powder before inserting the cutting into some cutting compost. Use pots or trays and water thoroughly before placing the cuttings into a cold frame or propagator or cover the pots with a polythene bag. Check the cuttings regularly and make sure the compost doesn't dry out. Don't over water, because this will cause the cuttings to rot. Remove any dead and unhealthy looking leaves. The cuttings will root within a month and can be potted up individually into pots, so that they can get well established before planting out into the border.  

Problems with basal cuttings

Symptoms

Cause(s)

Remedy

cuttings wilt and don't form any roots

it's probably too dry or hot in the cold frame or propagator

keep the cold frame or propagator out of direct sunlight and make sure that the compost doesn't dry out 
the plants seem to be rotting

over watering

water sparingly, never over water

DAISIES that can be grown by basal cuttings are:
Achillea
Anthemis
Aster
Chrysanthemum
Cosmos
Dahlia
Erigeron
Helenium