Multiplying Your Mazus: A Guide to Propagating the Creeping Mazus
Mazus miquelii, also known as creeping mazus, is a delightful groundcover prized for its charming, miniature snapdragon-like flowers and vigorous growth. Spreading like a verdant carpet, it’s the perfect choice for filling gaps in pathways, spilling over rocks in a rock garden, or creating a textured groundcover tapestry. Whether you’re looking to expand your existing patch or share this little beauty with a friend, propagating Mazus miquelii is easier than you think. Let’s explore the two most common and successful methods:
Method 1: Division – The Quickest Route to More Mazus
Division is the preferred method for propagating Mazus miquelii, offering a near-guaranteed success rate and quick establishment. Here’s how it’s done:
Timing is Everything: The ideal time to divide your Mazus miquelii is in early spring or early fall when the temperatures are cooler, and the plant is not actively flowering.
Tools of the Trade: You’ll need a sharp, clean garden spade or a hand trowel.
Let’s Get Dividing:
- Choose your victim (nicely, of course): Select a healthy section of Mazus miquelii for division.
- Dig it up: Carefully loosen the soil around the chosen section, ensuring you get a good portion of the root system.
- Divide and conquer: Gently pull apart the root ball into smaller sections, each with a healthy amount of roots and foliage attached.
- Replant and rejoice: Replant the divided sections in their new homes (prepared with well-draining soil) at the same depth they were originally growing. Water thoroughly.
Method 2: From Seed to Sprout: Starting Mazus miquelii Indoors
While division is the quickest method, starting Mazus miquelii from seed offers a different kind of satisfaction and is ideal for starting a large number of plants.
Timing is Key: Sow Mazus miquelii seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost.
Gathering Your Supplies:
- Seed starting mix
- Seed trays or small pots
- Water spray bottle
- Plastic wrap or a humidity dome (optional)
Sowing the Seeds:
- Fill & sow: Fill your seed trays with a well-draining seed starting mix and sprinkle the Mazus miquelii seeds evenly over the surface. Don’t bury them; they need light to germinate.
- Mist & cover: Mist the seeds gently with water and cover the trays with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to maintain moisture.
- Light & warmth: Place the trays in a bright location, out of direct sunlight. Ideally, maintain a temperature of around 70°F (21°C).
- Patience, young grasshopper: Germination can take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks. During this time, keep the soil consistently moist.
- Transplanting time: Once the seedlings have developed at least two sets of true leaves, they can be carefully transplanted into individual pots or outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
No matter which propagation method you choose, with a little care and attention, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a beautiful and thriving patch of Mazus miquelii.