Tips for Propagation of Landscape Plants Using Seeds and Cuttings
Research the plant for the best way to propagate:
SEEDS
Research the plant for:
Seed maturation—when to pick
Viability—how long seed will last
How to clean and store—optimum temp 40 deg F at 30-35%
humidity
Germination Requirements:
Medium— sterile peat moss, shredded
sphagnum, vermiculite, perlite, builders sand; alone or in combination
(mixture needs to hold moisture but drain well)
Temp—75 to 80 degrees F; lower temp at night
Plant no deeper than one to two times seed diameter
Needs moist environment
Special needs—may need cold period, soaking or scoring
hard seed coat
Seedlings need bright light (not direct sun) and space
When they have true leaves may be planted in regular potting
soil
Transition gently into real environment
CUTTINGS
Research the plant for:
Type of cutting—in FL most common
is softwood or semi-hardwood on current seasons
growth; includes tip stem, subterminal stem, leaf
bud,leaf, or root. 
When—usually in spring or early summer
Cutting how to:
Use clean, sharp knife
or pruners
Cutting should be 4-6” long, remove leaves
from bottom 1”
Dampen bottom ½” with sponge and
dip in rooting hormone
Sterile planting medium— equal volumes
of peat moss and perlite; also can use builders
sand, vermiculite, shredded sphagnum
Plant—use a pencil to make a hole in
medium and place cutting ½ to 1” deep.
Needs warm (70-80 deg. F), moist environment
for 2 to 14 weeks
Transition gently into real environment
KEY TO SUCCESS FOR BOTH SEEDS
AND CUTTINGS IS A MOIST ENVIRONMENT WITH FAVORABLE TEMPERATURES
Purchase propagation
unit or use terrarium or aquarium with cover
Plastic pots with plastic bag or plastic
bag alone
Keep covered; may have to add water
Place in north window (not in direct sun)
or under fluorescent lights 12-16 hrs.
This information condensed from Circular 579, FL Cooperative Extension Service, IFAS, University of Florida written by Dewayne L. Ingram & Thomas H. Yeager http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG108