Propagation Salvia Spp.

Introduction

We have recently propagated several salvia species and have run a series of tests to find the most effective method of propagating salvia from cuttings(this is our personal opinion, not a statement of fact). We have practiced this with three Species:-

 - Salvia Elegans 'Pineapple Sage'

 - Salvia Dorisiana 'Fruit Salad Sage'

 - Salvia Officinalis 'Common Sage'

Most of the results are fairly similar throughout except we have found that Salvia officinalis should be propagated from air layering/division as opposed to cuttings for faster growth.

Theory

The theory was that we could alleviate issues such as rot and other infections through cloning inm our bubble cloner or in tubs of water. This should help to increase our success rate of cuttings. Furthermore small tests have shown that cuttings placed directly into water as opposed to soil face no wilting period and root/start growing again much faster.

The Test

Taking The Cuttings

10 cuttings were taken from the S. Elegans and S. Dorisiana.

5 of each were dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a coir rooting mix

5 of each were placed directly into clear plastic cups of water.

all misted 3 times daily

The Results

Day 1-7

The cuttings placed directly into water have shown from the start that they are the healthiest. With no noticable wilting as the roots begin to form. Whereas the soil plants droop for 3-5 days before slowly starting to perk back up.

Day 7-14

The cuttings in the water begin showing roots at day 7 which grow rapidly for the next week. The cuttings in the soil are only just starting to perk back up by this point. By day 14 the cuttings in water have roots upto 10cm long and are ready for potting out, however i find adding a small amount 'root excelurator' to this water and giving them another week can be advantageous.

Images will come soon and i will bulk out the text when i go through my notes.