Hello fellow garden enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of Ribes inerme, also known as the Western or Sticky Currant. If you’re a fan of its delicate spring blooms and the promise of delicious berries later on, you’re in for a treat. Propagating these beauties is a fantastic way to expand your garden or share cuttings with friends. And I’m happy to report, it’s a wonderfully rewarding project, not overly challenging, even for those newer to the gardening scene.
The Best Time to Start
For the most successful propagation of Ribes inerme, I find late spring to early summer, just as the plant has finished its showy bloom and is entering a period of vigorous new growth, is absolutely ideal. You’re looking for softwood cuttings. These are the brand-new, flexible shoots that are still green and easily bent.
Supplies You’ll Need
Gathering your tools beforehand makes the whole process smoother. Here’s what I reach for:
- Sharp pruning shears or a clean knife: For making precise cuts.
- Rooting hormone (optional but recommended): A powder or gel to encourage root development.
- A well-draining potting mix: I often use a 50/50 blend of perlite and peat moss or coconut coir.
- Small pots or seed trays: Clean and with drainage holes.
- Plastic bags or a propagator: To create a humid environment.
- A spray bottle: For misting.
- Labels: To remember what you’ve planted!
Propagation Methods
Let’s get our hands dirty! Here are a couple of my go-to methods:
1. Softwood Cuttings
This is my favorite and often the most successful for Ribes inerme.
- Select your material: Look for those supple, new shoots. You want cuttings that are about 4-6 inches long.
- Make the cut: Using your sharp shears, make a clean cut just below a leaf node. This is where roots are most likely to form.
- Prepare the cutting: Gently remove the lower leaves, leaving just a couple at the very top. If you have very large leaves, you can even cut them in half horizontally to reduce water loss.
- Apply rooting hormone: Dip the cut end of the stem into your rooting hormone, tapping off any excess.
- Plant the cutting: Fill your small pots with your prepared potting mix. Make a small hole with a pencil or your finger and insert the cutting. Gently firm the soil around it.
- Water and cover: Water the soil thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. Then, cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to create a humid dome. You can support the bag with a small stake so it doesn’t touch the leaves.
2. Water Propagation
This method is super satisfying to watch!
- Prepare the cuttings: Follow steps 1-3 from the softwood cutting method.
- Place in water: Put the prepared cuttings in a clean jar or glass filled with fresh water. Make sure that no leaves are submerged in the water. This is crucial to prevent rot.
- Find a bright spot: Place the jar in a well-lit spot, but out of direct, harsh sunlight.
- Change the water: Change the water every few days or whenever it looks cloudy to keep it fresh. You should start seeing little white roots emerge within a few weeks.
The “Secret Sauce” (Pro Tips)
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that seem to give my cuttings a little boost.
- Bottom Heat is Your Friend: If you have a heat mat, placing your pots on it can significantly speed up root development for cuttings. It mimics the warmth of spring soil and encourages those roots to get going.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Mist: Regularly misting the leaves of your cuttings, especially if they are under plastic, helps keep them turgid and prevents them from drying out while they’re trying to establish roots. Just a light, airy spray will do.
- Be Patient with the Rooting Hormone: While rooting hormone is helpful, don’t over-apply it. A light dusting is all that’s needed. Too much can sometimes hinder the process.
Aftercare & Troubleshooting
Once your cuttings have rooted – you’ll notice new growth or feel a gentle tug when you lightly pull on the cutting – it’s time for a little special treatment.
- Gradual acclimatization: If you used a plastic bag or propagator, gradually reduce the humidity by opening it up for increasing periods over a few days. This helps the new plant adjust to drier air.
- Transplant with care: Once your cutting has a good network of roots, gently transplant it into a slightly larger pot with a good quality potting mix.
- Watering: Water consistently, but avoid waterlogged soil. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Now, what if things don’t go as planned? The most common issue is rot. This usually happens when cuttings are kept too wet or lack adequate air circulation. If you see stems turning mushy and black, unfortunately, that cutting is likely lost. Don’t despair! Just remove it and try to identify what might have gone wrong – perhaps less water next time, or better air flow. Sometimes, cuttings simply don’t root, and that’s okay too!
A Encouraging Closing
Propagating Ribes inerme is a journey, and like any good gardening endeavor, it requires a bit of patience and a willingness to learn. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect. Every cutting you take is a step towards a greener, more abundant garden, and that’s something to be truly proud of. Enjoy the process, and happy propagating!
Resource:
https://identify.plantnet.org/k-world-flora/species/Ribes%20inerme%20Rydb./data