Propagate Your Garden: How to Take Cuttings of Annuals for Next Year

As the growing season winds down, there’s a simple way to extend the beauty of your garden into next year—by taking cuttings! With just a little effort, you can turn your favorite annuals into new plants for the following season. This guide focuses on 10 popular flowering annuals and walks you through the process step-by-step. Let’s dive in!

Why Take Cuttings?

Annuals, while beautiful, only last one growing season. But by taking cuttings, you can clone your favorite plants and enjoy them year after year without needing to repurchase seeds or seedlings. It’s a great way to keep the flowers you love and experiment with new growing methods.

10 Popular Flowering Annuals to Take Cuttings From

1. Geraniums

2. Petunias

3. Coleus

4. Impatiens

5. Begonias

6. Snapdragons

7. Fuchsias

8. Sweet Alyssum

9. Lantana

10. Verbena

When to Take Cuttings

The best time to take cuttings is just before the first frost, at the end of the growing season. At this point, the plants are mature and healthy, which will give your cuttings the best chance to root and grow into strong new plants.

How to Take Cuttings: Step-by-Step

1. Gather Your Supplies

• Sharp scissors or pruning shears

• Clean pots or trays

• Well-draining potting mix

• Rooting hormone (optional but recommended)

• Plastic bags or a humidity dome

2. Select Healthy Plants
Choose healthy, disease-free plants for taking cuttings. Look for strong stems that haven’t flowered yet, as they tend to root better than stems that are already in bloom.

3. Take the Cutting

• Cut a 4-6 inch stem from the plant just below a leaf node (where the leaf meets the stem). This is where new roots will form.

• Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving just 2-3 leaves at the top. If the plant has flowers or buds, pinch them off to encourage the cutting to focus on root development.

4. Prepare the Cutting for Rooting

• Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. This step is optional but can improve success rates, especially for tougher plants like geraniums and fuchsias.

5. Plant the Cutting

• Fill a pot or tray with a well-draining potting mix. Poke a small hole in the soil and insert the cutting, ensuring that the leaf node is buried. Firm the soil around the stem to provide stability.

• Water lightly, making sure the soil is damp but not soggy.

6. Create a Humid Environment

• Cover the cutting with a plastic bag or place it under a humidity dome to keep moisture in. This helps prevent the cutting from drying out while it’s rooting.

• Place the pot in a warm, bright spot with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the young cuttings.

Caring for Your Cuttings

• Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist, but avoid overwatering. You can mist the cuttings occasionally to maintain humidity.

• Light: Bright, indirect light is key. A sunny windowsill works well, but avoid placing cuttings in direct sunlight.

• Temperature: Cuttings root best in temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Keep them away from cold drafts or extreme heat.

When to Expect Roots

Most annual cuttings will start developing roots within 2-4 weeks. You can gently tug on the cutting to check for resistance—this is a sign that roots are forming. Once the roots are about an inch long, you can transplant the cuttings into individual pots.

When to Move Cuttings Outside

Come spring, once the threat of frost has passed, you can start moving your rooted cuttings outside. Just like any new plant, they’ll need to be acclimated to the outdoor environment. Start by placing them outside for a few hours each day in a shaded area, gradually increasing their exposure to direct sunlight over a week or two.