How long will Osteospermum cuttings root in water?
The cuttings should root within 3-4 weeks. As we propagate a lot of plants we like to use a tray with 84 segments that have a depth of about 6cm. If you only want to take a few cuttings you can also use 7cm square pots. You should be able to fit 6-7 cuttings in each pot. Storage of cuttings It is best to harvest cuttings in early spring and plant immediately but if this is not possible, cuttings can be stored safely for about 4 months. Store cuttings in a cool, dark, and moist place. Do NOT store in a wet area as this will promote root growth and weaken the cutting.The cuttings should root within 3-4 weeks. As we propagate a lot of plants we like to use a tray with 84 segments that have a depth of about 6cm. If you only want to take a few cuttings you can also use 7cm square pots. You should be able to fit 6-7 cuttings in each pot.
Do you cut back Osteospermum in autumn?
Cutting them back hard in the autumn may work with some varieties in sheltered areas but few will shoot again properly next spring and it is best to start again then with new young plants. Osteospermum will grow well in any moderately fertile, warm site in full sun. Most gardeners treat osteospermum as an annual, disposing of the plant after one growing season and replacing the following spring. In a mild winter it is possible to overwinter some osteospermum so they come back for another year, though results tend to be mixed and it is often not worth the effort.Take cuttings of osteospermum as insurance in case plants don’t make it through the winter. The best time for taking cuttings is in spring or late summer. Select a non-flowering shoot and cut the tip off, strip the leaves and dip in hormone rooting powder.For best results feed your Osteospermums on a weekly basis with a general fertilizer such as phostrogen. This will help promote flowering.Most gardeners treat osteospermum as an annual, disposing of the plant after one growing season and replacing the following spring. In a mild winter it is possible to overwinter some osteospermum so they come back for another year, though results tend to be mixed and it is often not worth the effort.