How to Propagate Yarrow by Root Cuttings
Propagating Yarrow by Root Cuttings
Yarrow, also known by its scientific name Achillea millefolium, is a hardy perennial plant that is prized for its feathery foliage and clusters of tiny, colorful flowers. While yarrow is commonly propagated by division or seeds, another method that can be quite successful is propagating yarrow by root cuttings.
What You Will Need:
To propagate yarrow by root cuttings, you will need a few key supplies:
- Gloves to protect your hands
- A sharp, clean knife or pruners
- Potting soil or a well-draining medium
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- Rooting tray or small pots
Step 1: Selecting and Preparing the Plant
Choose a healthy yarrow plant with well-established roots. Carefully dig up the plant, taking care not to damage the roots. Gently shake off excess soil to expose the roots.
Step 2: Taking Root Cuttings
Using a sharp knife or pruners, cut off sections of the roots that are about 3-5 inches long. Make clean cuts to ensure the best chances of success. You can take multiple root cuttings from the same plant to increase your chances of success.
Step 3: Planting the Root Cuttings
Fill a rooting tray or small pots with potting soil or a well-draining medium. Dip the cut end of each root cutting in rooting hormone, if desired, and then plant them in the soil. Make sure to bury the cuttings deep enough to provide stability but not too deep that they are covered completely.
Step 4: Providing Care
Place the rooting tray or pots in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In a few weeks, you should start to see new growth emerging from the root cuttings.
Step 5: Transplanting
Once the new plants have established roots and are growing well, you can transplant them into their permanent location in the garden. Make sure to prepare the planting site with well-amended soil and provide regular water until the plants are established.
Propagating yarrow by root cuttings can be a rewarding way to expand your yarrow collection and share this beautiful plant with others. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy the beauty of yarrow in your garden for years to come.