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Propagation using Vermiculite and Perlite
Vermiculite
Vermiculite is a pH neutral natural material made of mica which has an enormous surface area due to its laminated structure. This means that it is capable of holding several times its own weight in water. When used in compost it promotes good drainage at the same time as holding moisture and nutrients close to the plant roots which results in better seed germination and stronger growth.
It can also be used as an alternative to sieved compost to cover seeds after sowing. It helps minimise the growth of moss or green algae on the compost surface as well as providing lightweight support to seedlings as they emerge.
Seed germination
Large and small seeds can be raised in pure J. Arthur Bower's Vermiculite but for slower germinating seeds use a 50/50 mixture of Vermiculite and Seed & Cutting Compost. Pricking out will be required soon after germination as there are not many nutrients in this mix. Sow thinly, evenly and not too deep, covering lightly with moist Vermiculite and avoiding over-firming. For very tiny seeds, such as Lobelia, we recommend using J. Arthur Bower's Fine Vermiculite.
Sowing and Potting Composts
Using J. Arthur Bower's Vermiculite in sowing composts encourages quicker germination, improves seedling growth and means less check when pricking-out or potting-on. Mix equal parts of Vermiculite and Seed & Cutting Compost.
Rooting Cuttings
For softwood cuttings use equal parts of J. Arthur Bower's Vermiculite and Moss Peat or Seed & Cutting Compost.
For hardwood cuttings J. Arthur Bower's Perlite is recommended instead.
Bulb Propagation
J. Arthur Bower's Vermiculite can be used for bulb propagation by scaling (suitable for lilies) and chipping (when bulbs are cut into vertical sections, each with a piece of the basal plate attached).
Start the process in autumn. Dust the scales/chips with sulphur dust and place them into a clear plastic bag containing moist vermiculite. Seal it, trapping as much air inside as possible, and place in a warm (200C) dark place for 10-12 weeks. Pot up the scales individually ,when bulblets have formed, into a 50/50 mixture of Vermiculite and Seed & Cutting Compost. Grow on in a cold frame through spring and summer. In the autumn the young bulbs can be separated and potted up as required.
Perlite
Perlite is a silica mineral of volcanic origin which, when crushed and heated to a high temperature, expands to resemble popcorn. The microscopic bubbles within the perlite granules absorb and hold vast quantities of air and moisture. This helps improve aeration and prevent compost becoming waterlogged and compacted. This encourages better root growth as well as reducing the risk of root disease.
Seed Raising
J. Arthur Bower's Perlite encourages quicker germination, improved seedling growth and less check when pricking out of potting on. Sow seeds on a well-watered mixture of one part Perlite to three parts Seed & Cutting Compost. Perlite can be used on its own provided it is kept wet at all times.
Rooting Cuttings
For soft stem and leaf cuttings use a mixture of equal parts of J. Arthur Bower's Perlite and Moss Peat or Seed & Cutting Compost.
For hardwood cuttings and fragile plants increase the proportion of Perlite to four parts per one of Moss Peat or Seed & Cutting Compost.
