Propagation Using Simple and Tip Layering
This article will cover methods for simple layering and tip layering. These work best for native plants although there a many other methods.
Simple Layering
This method is perhaps the easiest and most effective way of layering a wide variety of woody plants. It also presents the least disturbance to the parent plant. However, it takes the longest; two years at best. Natives that are easily propagated this way include Manzanita, Ceanothus (mounding type), Toyon, Island Bush Poppy (hopefully), Fuchsia-flowered Gooseberry, Lemonade Berry, and others.
Basically, a stem is buried in the soil behind its growing tip. This will induce roots to develop in this area since foods and hormones are restricted where the stem is bent at a right angle and buried. To be successful, the stem(s) to be buried must be vigorous and near ground level.
1. During the dormant season, usually September/October for natives, rigorously prune several branches near ground level. This will promote vigorous growth during the growing season. Allow the plant to grow for this season.
2. During the next fall, November/December, work a three inch layer of moistened peat moss into the soil surrounding the plant. This will form the layering bed.
3. Trim the leaves and side-shoots off of a young, vigorous stem. Start about four inches back from the growing tip and continue to twenty-fours inches back.
4. Bring the stem gently down to ground level and mark its position on the soil nine inches behind the growing tip.
5. Dig a trench about one foot in length from that point toward the parent plant. Make the trench about four to six inches deep. Using the excavated soil, backfill the trench so that it slopes upward toward the parent plant. Firm the soil. The trench should now be sloping away from the parent plant with the deep end (4" to 6") away from the plant.
6. Gently bend the stem at right angles about nine inches behind its growing tip. Peg it down with wire staples in the trench so that the stem is against the deep end side of the trench. Insure that the growing tip and leaves are above ground level. Backfill the trench with soil and firm well.
7. Water well and keep the soil moist during the next growing season, especially in dry periods. Rooting normally occurs during the growing season.
8. In late October or early November, sever the layered stem from the parent plant. This will also encourage further root development and acclimate the plant to being independent of the parent plant.
9. About four weeks later, cut off the growing tip from the rooted layered stem. This will spur further root development.
10. After another four weeks, gently dig around the layered stem and lift slightly to inspect the roots. If the roots are well established, the plant can be removed for planting out or potting. If rooting is not well established, leave the layer in the soil for another year before transplanting.
Tip Layering
This method works especially well on California Wild Rose, Fuchsia-flowered Gooseberry, and members of the genus Rubus; blackberries, loganberries, and others. If the growing tip of these plants is buried in the soil, it will swell, develop roots, and become another plant.
1. During the spring growing season, select a new strong stem growing from the plant crown. As soon as it reaches fifteen to eighteen inches in length, pinch off the tip to encourage branching.
2. As soon as these branches reach a length of eight to twelve inches, pinch off the growing tip to encourage further branching. Once these branches have reached a length of eight to twelve inches, the stems and tips can then be layered.
3. Incorporate a three inch layer of moist peat moss into the soil surrounding the plant. This will form the layering bed.
4. Pull down a stem and mark where the tip touches the soil. Dig a trench about four inches deep with a sloping bottom and vertical sides. The trench should slope upward towards the parent plant.
5. Place the tip at the deepest end of the trench and use wire staples to hold in place. Backfill the trench with soil and firm well. The growing tip and leaves should be completely covered with soil.
6. Water well and keep the soil moist. In about three to four weeks, shoots should appear above the ground.
7. In mid-September, cut the original stem at the crown of the plant. This will encourage root development.
8. In mid-December, cut off the remainder of the original stem from the layer and shorten some of the growth the layer has made.
9. The new plant is now ready for transplanting.
While this method takes less time than simple layering, it is applicable to many fewer plants.
