How to take softwood cuttings

Follow these easy steps to take cuttings from plants such as herbs, houseplants and pelargoniums, while they are actively growing in spring and summer.

Learning objectives:
  • Learn how to propagate plants from cuttings
  • Develop skills in handling tools and preparing cuttings
  • Identify stems, nodes and leaves
Curriculum links:
  • Science: Understanding plant reproduction and growth
  • Design & Technology: Developing practical skills and working with tools
  • Mathematics: Measuring and estimating stem lengths
  • PSHE: Promoting patience and responsibility through plant care

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Key vocabulary

Cutting | Stem | Leaves | Roots | Soil | Growth | Node

Introduction

Taking softwood cuttings is one of the easiest ways to create more plants. The best time to take softwood cuttings is in spring when growing tips are soft, flexible and actively growing. This means they will grow new roots easily.

Step-by-step

1. Gather all the materials you will need to take the cuttings, including: module trays or pots, clean scissors, peat-free compost, a watering can and plant labels

2. Fill the pots or module trays with peat-free compost

3. Take a 10-15cm cutting from a non-flowering growing tip on the plant. Make the cut just above a node (a growing point)

4. Carefully remove the lower leaves

5. Look for a node on the stem. This is a growing point from where you removed the leaves and it’s from these nodes that your cutting will grow its new roots

6. Cut below a node with clean scissors so that the cutting is approximately 5-10cm in length

7. Prepare the cuttings so they are all around the same length

8. Make a hole in the compost using a dibber or the end of a pencil

9. Insert the cuttings firmly, ensuring none of the leaves are below the surface of the compost or touching each other

10. Label each pot or module tray and water the compost thoroughly. Place the cuttings in a warm place and cover with a propagator if possible for extra warmth and moisture

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