Tiny but Mighty: Propagating the Charming Cotula turbinata
The Cotula turbinata, also known as the “button daisy” or “trailing chamomile,” is a charming groundcover with small, bright green, button-shaped leaves and delicate white daisy-like flowers. Its compact, trailing growth habit makes it perfect for containers, hanging baskets, or as a border plant. But did you know that this little plant is also remarkably easy to propagate?
This article will guide you through two simple methods: seed propagation and cuttings.
1. Propagation from Seed:
- Timing: Sow seeds directly outdoors in the spring after the last frost or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
- Preparation: Choose a well-drained soil mix. For outdoor sowing, loosen the soil and rake it smooth. For indoor seeding, use seed trays or pots filled with seed starting mix.
- Sowing: Sow the seeds thinly on the surface of the soil and gently press them into the soil. Water them lightly and keep the soil consistently moist.
- Germination: Cotula turbinata seeds germinate in 10-14 days at temperatures around 68-75°F.
- Thinning: Once seedlings have a couple of true leaves, thin them out to give them space to grow.
- Transplanting: When seedlings are about 3-4 inches tall, they can be transplanted outdoors to their permanent location.
2. Propagation from Cuttings:
- Timing: The best time to take cuttings is during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
- Cutting Selection: Choose healthy, non-flowering stems. Cut about 4-6 inches below a leaf node, right above a node.
- Preparation: Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings, leaving two or three at the top.
- Rooting Medium: Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone (optional). Place the cuttings in a pot filled with a moistened rooting medium like vermiculite, perlite, or a mixture of peat moss and perlite.
- Care: Keep the cuttings in a bright, indirect location, and keep the rooting medium consistently moist.
- Transplanting: After 2-4 weeks, the cuttings should have developed roots. You can then carefully transplant them into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Tips for Success:
- Light: Cotula turbinata prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest times of the day.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Fertilizer: Feed your Cotula turbinata with a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.
- Deadheading: Regularly pinch off spent blooms to encourage continued flowering and bushiness.
Conclusion:
With its ease of propagation and low-maintenance nature, the Cotula turbinata is an excellent choice for beginning gardeners and experienced green thumbs alike. Through seed or cuttings, you can easily expand your collection of this adorable plant and enjoy its charming presence in your garden, containers, or hanging baskets. So, roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and bring the beauty of the button daisy to your green spaces!