27 June 2024 , 14:24
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The weather's heating up and the gardens are alive with colour, but there's still plenty to do for those with green thumbs.
With that in mind, social media personality Dave The Plantman hopped on TikTok to answer the burning question he gets bombarded with every June and it's all about hydrangeas.
"Everyone's asking me about hydrangeas" he confessed. Dave revealed that folks were curious about "how you take cuttings", and he was more than happy to share his wisdom.
He instructed: "You find a tip that's got no flower bud on it. You then cut it again, just below a leaf node with a sharp knife. Take the leaves off. If the leaves are too big, you cut them down as well."
Next, he detailed how to plant the cutting "in a milk bottle, or compost, and you'll have a free hydrangea".
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Demonstrating his technique, Dave popped a cutting into a milk bottle filled with water and assured viewers it "will root", advising them to "just keep sticking a few in".
For optimal results, he suggested garden enthusiasts "take the majority of the leaves off".
Moreover, Dave advised: "If you're taking cuttings, don't put them in the sun because you don't want the leaves to dry out. Put them somewhere shady and humid, but warm. You want the soil to be warm, but the tops to be cool."
In the comments section, fans lauded the tip, with one sharing their success: "I did this and I have roots now! ".
When quizzed about the "best place to plant them", Dave responded: "Get roots on first in the shade then plant in the sun or shade".
He clarified in the comments that once you've established "roots", it will take "one or two years" to see flowers.
Another user queried: "What is eating my hydrangea? It's in a large pot". To which Dave replied: "Maybe a leaf cutter bee or caterpillar. Spray it with garlic spray".