What are semi ripe cuttings?
Semi ripe cuttings are half way between softwood cuttings and hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken solely from the soft new growth produced that year. Hardwood cuttings are taken from older hard wood which is at least 1 year old. Semi ripe cuttings incorporate both of these and have firmer wood at the bottom of the cutting and soft new growth at the top of the cutting.
Why take semi ripe cuttings instead of softwood or hardwood cuttings?
Semi ripe cuttings have more mature wood at the bottom of the cutting which means the cutting is less likely to wilt. Softwood cuttings have a tendency to wilt if not kept in a humid atmosphere. The older firmer wood at the base of semi ripe cuttings helps to alleviate this. Mature wood also roots more easily.
When should I take semi ripe cuttings?
Semi ripe cuttings are taken between late summer and the end of Autumn. Softwood cuttings are taken in Spring and Summer. Hardwood cuttings are taken in Winter and early Spring.
What plants can I take semi ripe cuttings from?
Shrubs and hedging plants such as Camellia, Viburnum, Choisya, Mahonia, Privet, Laurel and Holly. Woody herbs such as Lavender, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme. Climbers such as Ivy and Trachelospermum.
How do I take semi ripe cuttings?
- Start by selecting a non flowering shoot from this year
- Cut the shoot off just above a leaf node ensuring to take an inch or two of the older woody growth
- Place the cutting into a sealed bag straight away to conserve moisture
- Prepare the cutting by snipping the bottom of the cutting just below a leaf node ensuring there is still some woody growth at the bottom of the cutting
- Next, pinch out the growing tip to leave a cutting which is about 10cm in length
- Remove most of the leaves so only the top two nodes are remaining.
- If the leaves are big cut them in half to conserve moisture
- Next, fill a pot with multi purpose compost mixed with grit or perlite and push the cuttings into the compost around the edge of the pot.
- If rooting hormone is available, dip the ends of the cuttings in this before potting them up
- Water them and secure a plastic bag over the top to increase the humidity.
- Keep them watered and in a warm place out of direct sunlight until they have rooted.
When can I plant out my cuttings?
Once the cuttings have rooted they can be potted up individually to grow on over the Winter and can then be planted out next Spring if they are big enough.
The do’s and don’ts of taking semi ripe cuttings
Do use fresh new shoots for the cuttings
Do ensure there is at least an inch of older woody growth at the bottom of the cutting
Do plant the cutting as soon as possible after taking it
Do remove most of the leaves leaving only the top two nodes
Do cut big leaves in half
Do add grit or perlite to your potting compost to aid drainage
Do dip the ends of the cuttings in rooting hormone if you have it
Do cut just below a node at the bottom of the cutting
Do keep the cuttings well watered
Do place a plastic bag over the pot to keep the humidity high
Do place the cuttings in a warm place out of direct sunlight
Don’t use shoots that are damaged or diseased
Don’t leave the cuttings too long before planting them
Don’t leave too many leaves on the cuttings
Don’t overwater the cuttings
Don’t place the cuttings in full sun
Don’t put them anywhere cold