Peppermint is a common vanilla plant with a fresh aroma and a variety of medicinal properties. Cuttings are a common method of mint propagation, which is simple to operate and has a high survival rate. Here are the specific steps for mint cuttings:
1.Prepare tools and materials.
Before you start cuttings, you'll need to prepare some basic tools and materials, including: fresh mint shoots, sharp scissors or gardening shears, clean plastic cups or glass jars, moistened sand or vermiculite, water bottles, plastic bags, etc.
2.Select cuttings.
Select a length of about 10-15 cm from a healthy mint plant as a cutting. It is better to choose a diameter of about 05 cm, vigorous growth, pest-free branches. Avoid choosing branches that are too thin or too thick, so as not to affect the effect of cuttings.
3.Handle cuttings.
Use scissors or gardening shears to cut the lower end of the cuttings into a beveled opening to increase the area where they touch the soil, which is conducive to the absorption of water and nutrients. At the same time, prune off the excess leaves on the shoots, leaving only the top 2-3 leaves to reduce water evaporation.
4.Prepare the cuttings matrix.
Pour moistened sand or vermiculite into a plastic cup or glass jar with a thickness of about 5-8 cm. Use your fingers to dig a small hole in the substrate that is about the size of the cuttings.
5.Insert cuttings.
Insert the treated cuttings into small holes in the substrate to a depth of about half the length of the shoots. Make sure the shoots are in close contact with the substrate to facilitate water and nutrient absorption. At the same time, take care to keep the branches upright and avoid tilting.
6.Watering and moisturizing.
Place the mint shoots from cuttings in a cool, ventilated place away from direct sunlight. Spray the substrate with a watering can or water bottle to keep the substrate moist. Be careful not to over-water, so as not to cause water accumulation in the substrate and affect the effect of cuttings.
7.Shade and moisturize.
In order to improve the success rate of cuttings, a small shade shed can be built above the cuttings. A shade canopy can be made using a transparent plastic bag or plastic film and covered with cuttings to create a relatively closed environment. This reduces water evaporation and keeps the substrate moist, which is conducive to the rooting and germination of cuttings.
8.Observe the growth.
During the cutting process, the growth of mint shoots should be observed regularly. If you find that the substrate is dry, spray water to moisturize it in timeIf pests and diseases are found, measures should be taken to prevent and control them in time. At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to observe whether the cuttings have taken root and sprouted, so as to adjust the maintenance measures in time.
9.Transplant into potting soil.
When the cuttings have taken root and sprouted, they can be transplanted into the potting soil for maintenance. Choose a pot that is suitable for mint growth and cover the bottom with a layer of crushed stone or ceramsite to facilitate drainage. Place the rooting mint shoots in the pot along with the substrate and fill the gaps with new potting soil. Be careful not to bury it too deep so as not to affect the growth of the mint.
10.Follow-up maintenance.
Place the transplanted mint plants in a sunny and well-ventilated area for maintenance. Water once a day to keep the potting soil moist. During the growing season, some organic fertilizers can be applied appropriately to promote the growth and flowering of mint. At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to the prevention and control of pests and diseases and maintain the health of the plants.
Through the above steps, the mint cuttings are completed. As long as you follow the correct method, you can generally achieve a good cutting effect. By growing mint at home, you can not only enjoy the beautiful flowers, but also enjoy the gift of nature by tasting the refreshing mint tea.
Peppermint