How to Propagate Perilla by Cuttings? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Cutting Method

Perilla is an herbaceous plant with a distinctive aroma, now commonly used as a spice and also as a medicinal herb. Perilla has a long history of cultivation and consumption. Perilla is generally grown by seed propagation and raising seedlings, but in fact cuttings can also survive now, and they are not difficult to handle, making cultivation convenient. So how should perilla be propagated by cuttings, and what method should be used for cutting? Let's find out together right away.

1. Cutting Preparation

As for the timing of cuttings, it can generally be done in spring, summer, and autumn when the temperature is suitable; there is just a difference in the survival rate. The specific time is when the plant grows side branches, the side branches have grown fully, and have a certain thickness without serious lignification, the branches can be taken for cuttings. For ordinary home growing, prepare containers and potting soil; for large-scale cuttings, prepare by turning the soil and applying fertilizer, and make a seedbed. Choose sandy loam soil for cuttings. The cutting branches should be robust, free from pest and disease damage, and have 4 nodes with short internodes.

2. Cutting Method

After selecting a side branch, cut it off with a single cut of a small knife, remove the lower leaves, and keep about two small leaves at the top. The cutting needs to have its wound dried first, so that it roots easily when it touches the soil and does not rot easily. After that, soak the lower end of the cutting in a rooting powder solution to help it root. Then it can be inserted into the soil; the insertion depth is about 5 cm, not too deep, and the nearby soil needs to be pressed down firmly.

3. Cutting Care

For cutting care, suitable temperature and moisture need to be maintained; the temperature should generally be kept between 20 and 25 degrees, and not exceed 30 degrees. Air humidity can be increased a little by spraying water more often, and soil moisture should be around 65%. One week after cutting, when the wound has basically healed, it can be exposed to light. Before that, if outdoors, it can be shaded with a shade net; if in a pot, place it in a cool, ventilated corridor with scattered light.

4. Points to Note

Note that before cutting, the soil needs to be loosened and watered, which makes cutting easier, allows close contact with the soil, and prevents the lower end from becoming fuzzy; fuzzy ends do not root easily. If after several attempts the cutting has not been inserted well and has become fuzzy, the lower end should be cut off. The lower cut should be a slanted cut. The upper end with leaves does not need to be cut. Note that after many roots have formed, a light fertilizer solution can be applied appropriately. The cutting soil needs to be turned and sun-dried, and sprayed with chemicals for disinfection. Later, water once every two days, gradually extending the interval.

Perilla is a semi-lignified herbaceous plant, and cuttings root easily, but attention must still be paid to providing a suitable environment; in extreme dry weather it is very difficult for them to survive, and most will wither and die. Therefore, cuttings need moisture retention and warmth retention.