At The Hunter Gatherer Gardener Program, we’re passionate about helping our community grow in every way possible—especially when it comes to developing accessible, practical gardening skills that you can use at home.
Ra, our program leader, has dedicated years to nurturing plants and a wealth of knowledge in sustainable, hands-on gardening methods. Today, he’s sharing one of those valuable skills with us: propagating Griselinia cuttings.
Why Griselinia?
Griselinia is a resilient, evergreen shrub commonly used for hedges and screens due to its fast-growing nature and ability to withstand coastal winds. Its lush, glossy leaves make it a beautiful addition to any garden. By propagating your own cuttings, you can easily expand your garden without needing to buy more plants—a sustainable and cost-effective approach.
Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating Griselinia
With Ra’s expertise, you’ll learn how to take cuttings, use a rooting hormone, and care for your future plants.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Griselinia cuttings (or another suitable plant of your choice)
A rooting hormone (available at most gardening stores)
Sharp, clean pruning shears
Pots filled with a well-draining potting mix
A spray bottle with water
Step 2: Take Your Cuttings
Choose healthy Griselinia stems with a few leaves, ideally around 10-15 cm long. Using your pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a leaf node (where the leaf meets the stem). This node is where new roots will begin to grow, so it’s essential for successful propagation.
Step 3: Prepare the Cuttings
Remove the leaves from the lower half of each cutting to avoid rot and allow space for root growth. Next, dip the bottom end of the cutting into the rooting hormone, which will stimulate root development and improve your success rate.
Step 4: Plant the Cuttings
Gently press each cutting into the prepared pots, making sure the lower part (the part that was dipped in rooting hormone) is well seated in the soil. Firm the soil around each cutting, ensuring it stands upright.
Step 5: Water and Care for Your Cuttings
After planting, mist the cuttings lightly with water to keep the soil moist. Place your pots in a warm, sheltered spot out of direct sunlight. Regularly check the soil moisture; it should stay damp but not soggy.
(this is where the wool comes in as a moisture holder) Sphagnum Moss is also a great alternative.
Step 6: Patience and Growth
Within a few weeks, you should start to see roots forming. Once your cuttings have a healthy root system, they’re ready to be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden.
The Grey Area Nursery | Hunter Gatherer Gardener
Ra’s work in the nursery is about more than just plants; it’s about empowering people to grow their food and foliage with confidence.
As you develop your skills, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Are you ready to start propagating? Follow along with our program to continue learning simple, sustainable gardening techniques.
Let’s grow our knowledge and our gardens together!
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