Propagating brugmansia cuttings in soil 

Propagation

Place the unrooted cutting in a pot, filled with quality potting mix. I make my own blend, which is usually a mix of quality commercial potting mix, peat moss (or coir), mushroom compost and a little perlite. Used in soil mixes, perlite will improve aeration and modify the soil substructure, keeping it loose, well-draining and defying compaction, which is important whilst your cutting develops roots, as overly damp soil risks the cuttings becoming slimy and rotting. Once potted up, water the cuttings regularly. Little white nubs, called lenticils will form in a few weeks, which then develop into roots. Do not fertilise your cutting, until it has a very well established root system. 

Note: I've also had great success growing in a commercially available soil blend called UltraGrow. 

Propagating brugmansia cuttings in water

Propagation

Place the unrooted cutting in a glass jar and fill with approx 2.5 - 4 cm of water. If your water is chlorinated, allow it to stand overnight before placing your cuttings in the water.  Change the water every 1-2 days. Do not put the jar in direct sunlight. When you see little white nubs (lenticels) form, they are ready to be removed from water and potted up into good quality potting mix. I often wait until they form roots first, before potting up, however do check the cuttings progress, as they can be prone to going slimy and rotting, if kept in water to long... hence I prefer to pot them up the moment lenticils have formed, as they will continue developing their root system once in soil. Be careful not to allow soil to become overly wet, as this is the greatest cause of cuttings rotting. 

Do not fertilise until your cutting has a well established root system.

Caring for Bare-Rooted Brugmansia Cuttings

Growing

For those of you who've purchased bare-rooted cuttings from us, plant your cutting into a pot until established. You can then decide whether to plant out in garden beds, or larger pots.

Customer feedback tells us this will rarely occur, but should your cuttings arrive slightly wilted after their journey in the mail from us to you, particularly in the hotter months of the year, simply pop them in a little water overnight/until they pick up, before planting into pots. Do not leave them in water too long, as excessive water can lead to rot, which will spell the end of your plant. Don't hesitate to snip off the foliage if you deem it appears to be in too much distress, as it will quickly re-grow... the main aim is to ensure the plant is putting its energy into growing healthily... so don't let it waste energy on any foliage you find appears to be struggling. Don't fertilise cuttings, until they are established plants. Simply keep them well watered, but not overly wet.

​

Growing in pots or garden beds? It's up to you and your amount of available space will determine which options suits best. Brugmansia will grow faster, bigger and flower more often in ground. They grow well in pots, but you will need a large pot, well over 500mm in depth and width... the bigger the better. Be sure to pot them with quality, compost rich soil and top with mulch. They will need to be re-potted and roots trimmed back at the same time. Generally I do this twice a year, as these are fast growing plants.

Germinating Datura Seeds

Germination

Datura plants are easily grown from seed. I germinate mine, simply by placing in soil, watering and waiting patiently. It can take several weeks before they germinate. There are other germination processes you might follow... perhaps even try two different processes with a few seeds, to see which derives the best results.

1. Simply sew seeds to a depth of 2 cm in quality, fertile, well draining potting mix. Seeds are best sewn in warmer weather (Spring).

2. Water seeds regularly, taking care not to leave soil overly wet, as this will cause seeds to rot. As with any seed, not all will germinate. 

3. Once established, Datura needs full sun, rich fertile soil that drains well and regular watering. 

Germinating Brugmansia Seeds

Germination

Growing brugmansia from seed, will not produce the exact same plant the seeds were extracted from. There will be some similarities, but the end result will be a unique plant in its own right, which makes growing from seed quite exciting.​ A wonderful reference source on germinating brugmansia from seed can be found on the Brugmansia Growers International website. 

Germinating Canna Indica Seeds

Germination

The seeds do not germinate when planted directly in the soil. The tough seed coat is the main obstacle. Canna seeds have to be prepared beforehand by softening the seed coat to encourage germination. Canna seed propagation involves soaking, heating and scarification. Sometimes it takes a few attempts to get it right. You should start the process at least one to two months before you plan to plant it outside. Germination usually takes one to two weeks. Canna seeds should be soaked in water for a minimum of 24 hours. Some recommend using lukewarm water for soaking. Use of a commercial medium, may be ideal for germinating canna lily seeds. Make small depressions in the medium and put in the seeds. Cover with the mix and water. After planting the seeds in the medium and watering, the container should be covered in plastic wrap and kept warm indoors. A constant temperature of 21-24C is necessary to initiate germination. Another germination method you could use for canna is known as scarification.

Germinating Ipomoea Coccinea Seeds

Germination

Ipomoea plants are easily grown from seed. I germinate mine, simply by placing in soil, watering and waiting patiently. It can take several weeks before they germinate. There are other germination processes you might follow... perhaps even try two different processes with a few seeds, to see which derives the best results.

1. Simply sew seeds to a depth of 2 cm in quality, fertile, well draining potting mix. Seeds are best sewn in warmer weather (Spring to Autumn or all year round in tropical climates).

2. Water seeds regularly, taking care not to leave soil overly wet, as this will cause seeds to rot. As with any seed, not all will germinate. 

3. Once established, Ipomoea needs full sun, rich fertile soil that drains well and regular watering. 

Germinating Salvia Splendens 'Blaze of Fire' Seeds

Germination

Method: Sow direct

Sowing Depth: 4mm

When: Spring and early Summer (can be grown all year round in tropical climates)

Germination: 12-15 days @ 22-24C

Life Cycle: Perennial (often grown as an annual)

Plant Spacing: 30cm apart

Plant Height: 30cm

Position: Full sun, moist well-drained soil

Days to Maturity/Flowering: 75 days

Notes: Do not over-water. Protect seedlings from slugs and snails. 

Uses: Good for garden beds, borders, rockeries, pots and mass planting. 

Germinating Salvia Farinacea 'Blue Mealycup' Seeds

Germination

Method: Sow direct

Sowing Depth: 4mm

When: Spring and early Summer (can be grown all year round in tropical climates)

Germination: 15-21 days @ 20-22C

Life Cycle: Perennial (often grown as an annual)

Plant Spacing: 30cm apart

Plant Height: 90cm

Position: Full sun, moist well-drained soil

Days to Maturity/Flowering: 85 days

Notes: Do not over-water. Protect seedlings from slugs and snails. 

Uses: Good for garden beds, borders, rockeries, pots and mass planting. Blue Mealycup sage makes a particularly wonderful cut flower for vases and is great in dried flower arrangements.

Germinating Gilia Capitata Queen Anne's Thimbles Seeds

Germination

Method: Sow direct and water with a spray bottle

Sowing Depth: 2mm deep in a seed tray and cover with cling wrap with a few holes

When: Early spring

Germination: 2-3 weeks @ 18-20C

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Spacing: 60-90cm apart

Plant Height: 50-60cm

Position: Full sun, moist well-drained soil

Days to Maturity/Flowering: 8-10 weeks

​

Germinating Zinnia Elegans Seeds

Germination

Method: Sow direct

Sowing Depth: 6mm

When: Spring and early Summer (can be grown all year round in tropical climates)

Germination: 7-10 days @ 21-29C

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Spacing: 30cm apart

Plant Height: 60cm

Position: Full sun, moist well-drained soil

Days to Maturity/Flowering: 90 days

Notes: Easy to grow. Keep well watered. Pinch out the first bud to encourage bushy growth.

Uses: Ideal for mass plantings. Makes a great cut flower for vases.

Useful Links

Resources

The internet contains a wealth of valuable information on growing and caring for Brugmansia. A site I regularly reference to build up my own knowledge base, is Brugmansia Growers International. Though it's based in the USA, much of the general information is applicable and if not, certainly adaptable to your climatic conditions.