Propagating Bartlettina sordida, also known as Mexican bush sage, can be done through two main methods: seed propagation and semi hardwood cuttings. Let’s explore each method in detail.
1. Seed Propagation:
Bartlettina sordida produces fluffy pappus seeds that are easily dispersed by wind. To propagate this plant from seeds, you can follow these steps:
– Collect the mature seeds from dried flower heads. Ensure that the seeds are fully developed and have a fluffy pappus attached.
– Prepare a seed-starting tray or small pots with a well-draining seed-starting mix. Moisten the mix before sowing the seeds.
– Sow the seeds on the surface of the mix, gently pressing them down to ensure good contact.
– Cover the tray or pots with a clear plastic dome or a plastic bag to create a humid environment.
– Place the tray or pots in a warm and well-lit area, but avoid direct sunlight as it can cause overheating.
– Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mist the surface with water when needed.
– Germination typically takes around 1 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, you can transplant them into individual pots or a larger container.
– Continue caring for the seedlings until they are well-established before considering planting them in the garden.
2. Semi Hardwood Cuttings:
Another way to propagate Bartlettina sordida is through semi hardwood cuttings. This method is usually done in autumn or winter, or you can take cuttings from prunings after flowering in late spring. Follow these steps:
– Select a healthy and vigorous stem from the parent plant. The stem should be semi-hardwood, meaning it is not too soft or too woody.
– Using a clean and sharp pair of pruning shears, take a cutting that is approximately 4-6 inches long. Make the cut just below a leaf node.
– Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving a few leaves at the top.
– Dip the cut end of the cutting in a rooting hormone powder to enhance root development (optional).
– Prepare a well-draining potting mix or a mixture of perlite and peat moss. Moisten the mix before inserting the cuttings.
– Create a hole in the mix and gently insert the cutting, ensuring that at least two nodes are buried in the mix.
– Place the pot or tray in a warm and bright location, but avoid direct sunlight.
– Mist the cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and prevent them from drying out.
– After a few weeks, check for root development by gently tugging the cutting. If there is resistance, roots have formed.
– Once the cuttings have rooted, you can transfer them into individual pots with well-draining soil.
– Continue caring for the rooted cuttings until they are well-established before considering planting them in the garden.
These propagation methods can be successful with Bartlettina sordida, but keep in mind that not all cuttings or seeds may successfully root or germinate. It’s always a good idea to take multiple cuttings or sow multiple seeds to increase your chances of success.
Remember to provide the right growing conditions such as well-draining soil, regular watering, and a location with partial shade to full sun for Bartlettina sordida to thrive.
