What Is a Basal Cutting? New Shoots Taken at the Base
A basal cutting is a young shoot cut from the base of a perennial, close to the crown. None of the sources names basal cuttings, so the steps below follow their notes on herbaceous cuttings plus crowns.
The short answer
A basal cutting is a soft shoot taken low on the plant at the crown. The Iowa State glossary defines the crown as where roots plus shoots join at soil level. NC State notes herbaceous cuttings are 3 to 5 inch stem pieces with the lower leaves removed. Root them in a moist, sterile medium under cover.
Where does a basal cutting come from?
UMN Extension notes perennial crowns sit at the soil surface. In spring new shoots rise from the crown, the spot where a basal cutting is taken.
| Term | Meaning | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Crown | Where roots plus shoots join | Iowa State glossary |
| Herbaceous cutting | 3 to 5 inch nonwoody stem | NC State |
| Division | Crown split into parts | UMN |
Source: NC State, UMN plus Iowa State.
Which plants suit herbaceous cuttings?
NC State names coleus, chrysanthemum plus dahlia as plants started from herbaceous cuttings.
How to: step by step
- Wait until new shoots rise from the crown.
- Cut a 3 to 5 inch shoot near its base.
- Strip leaves from the lower third to half.
- Set it in a sterile, well drained medium.
- Cover with a clear bag or a bottomless milk jug.
- Use a pot with drainage holes.
Troubleshooting
Wilting cutting: low humidity. NC State advises a clear bag over the pot.
Base rots: wet mix. Use a well drained, low fertility medium.
No shoots yet: too early. Wait for spring growth.
Read make cannabis clones, life cycle of a marijuana plant plus cannabis nodes plus internodes. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Extension Gardener Handbook, chapter 13: Propagation, NC State Extension
- Delphinium, NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Dividing perennials, University of Minnesota Extension
- Glossary of garden terms, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
FAQ
What is a crown on a perennial?
The Iowa State glossary defines the crown as the place where roots plus shoots join at the soil level.
Is a basal cutting the same as division?
No. UMN notes a division is a section of crown with three to five shoots plus roots. A basal cutting is one shoot with no roots yet.
What medium should I use?
NC State notes the medium should be sterile, low in fertility, well drained plus able to hold moisture.
Do I need a greenhouse?
No. NC State notes a flowerpot covered with a clear bag or a bottomless milk jug is enough for a few cuttings.
When should I divide fall bloomers instead?
UMN advises dividing fall blooming perennials in spring, when new growth is emerging.
