Propagation By Layers

The proper parts for layers are those leafy shoots arising near the crown of the root, which, when about five inches long, are of a proper degree of growth.

The general season for this work is June, July, and beginning of August, and the sooner it is done after the shoots are ready the better, that they may have sufficient time to acquire strength before winter. Those layered in June and July will be fit to take off in August and September.

The method of performing the work is as follows: - First provide a quantity of small hooked sticks, three or four inches long, with which to peg the layers down, also in a barrow a quantity of light rich mould to raise the earth, if required, around each plant; and provide also a sharp penknife. Having all these ready, then proceed to the work of layering: first, strip off all the leaves from the body of the shoots, and shorten those at the top an inch or two evenly; and then, fixing upon a strong joint about the middle of the shoot, and on its under side, cut the joint half way through, directing your knife upward, so as to slit the shoot up the middle almost to the next joint above; of which joint the thin skinny part must be trimmed off, for the layers always form their root at that part. This done, loosen the earth around the plant, and, if necessary, add some fresh mould to raise it for the more ready reception of the layers; then with your finger make a hollow or drill in the earth to receive the layer, which bend gently down horizontally in the opening, raising the top upright, so as to keep the gash, or slit part of the layer, open, and with one of the hooked sticks peg down the body of the layer to secure it in its proper place and position, still preserving the top erect and the slit open, and draw the earth over it an inch or two, bringing it close about the erect part of the shoot; and when all the shoots of each plant are thus layered, give some water to settle the earth close, repeating the waterings often in dry weather; and in five or six weeks the layers will have formed good roots, when they should be separated with a knife from the old plants, and planted in beds or pots.

Taking Off And Transplanting The Layers

The layers are generally well rooted in six weeks after layering, which you will observe by opening the earth a little, and examining the bottom, or root part; and if it has emitted plenty of fibres, they should be taken off, and planted out.

They must be cut, or separated with a knife from the old plant, gently raising them out of the earth with the point of a trowel, to preserve the fibres, or roots of the layers; and when thus taken up, cut off the naked sticky part at bottom close to the root, and trim the tops of the leaves a little: they are then ready for planting, either into beds or pots, hut rather into nursery-beds of good earth, to remain six weeks, and then the fine sorts may be potted. Therefore, choosing a bed or border of rich light earth, let it be then neatly dug, and the surface raked smooth, and here plant the layers, with a dibble, at six or eight inches distance; give directly a good watering, and repeat it, in dry weather, every day or two, for a week or a fortnight, when the plants will have taken fresh root, and begin to advance.

In this bed let them take their growth till October, then the fine varieties may be potted in small pots (forty-eights) for moving to occasional shelter from hard frosts, till spring, then into large pots, to remain to flower; therefore, at the above-mentioned time in autumn, take up the layers of the prime sorts from the nursery beds into small pots, and give a moderate watering, and place them in a warm situation, in the full air, till November, then move them to occasional shelter, as directed in their winter culture.

The more common sorts may either at the above time in autumn be transplanted into the borders or other compartments of the pleasure ground, where they are to remain to flower, or may be continued in the beds until spring; and then a due quantity may be disposed in the borders, or retained in the same bed, for flowering.