Root Division: Multiply Your Medicinal Herb Harvest with These Plant Propagation Tips Written and Photographed by Juliet Blankespoor Planting meadowsweet divisions into pots – Division is the easiest form of vegetative propagation. It involves digging up and severing a portion of the root system of a plant, and replanting it. Depending on the plant species and age, one to twenty…
…Potting up divided valerian roots right into nursery trays. – Willow Bark Rooting Hormone Recipe Willow bark extract contains a natural plant hormone called willow-rooting substance, which helps to coordinate plant growth. It can be used as a free natural substitute for commercial rooting powders, and is especially helpful for rooting softwood cuttings. To prepare you own, cut ten 2-…
…little piece of the root will take hold, and grow a new plant. See my article on Root Division for more details. Harvest meadowsweet when it is beginning to bloom by cutting the flowering stalks close to the base of the plant. You can hang these longer stems in bundles, placing a cloth underneath to catch any blossoms that fall…
…for a division or two. For best success, see our guide to herbal root division here. Lemon balm is also easily started from seed. Because this plant is a light-dependent germinator (LDG), the seeds should be planted right on the surface of the soil or just barely covered. Watering will gently press them into full contact with the soil. Expect…
…these yellowroot outliers. Yellowroot reproduces by seeds and spreads clonally through its rhizomes, which are the primary medicinal part used. Yellowroot (Xanthorhiza simplicissima, Ranunculaceae) is the only member of its genus, and one of the few woody members of the buttercup family. Its scientific name is quite descriptive, with the genus meaning yellowroot (xantho= yellow, rhiza=root), and the species name…
…Easiest Way to Propagate Medicinal Herbs Root division is a simple way to add herbs to your garden. It’s handy for propagating dozens of well-loved plants, including mint, bee balm, Echinacea, comfrey, lemon balm, calamus, and elecampane. Learn how to make your own divisions and share the abundance with your friends! 7 Medicinal Herbs for Urban Gardens Even in urban…
…bike home to devour everything I could find about the herb in those tattered pages. One day, in my native plant identification class, my professor introduced me to the herb bayberry. In my after-school research, I learned the root bark was the medicinal part of the plant. Root bark? I had no idea roots even had bark! So, I pulled…
…Don’t use the roots of any violet species, as they are emetic. Contraindications: Avoid internal use with individuals who have the rare inherited disorder G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency, because it can aggravate hemolytic anemia.1 Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) 3. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale, Asteraceae) Edible Parts: Leaves, roots, and flowers Medicinal Parts: Leaves and roots Preparations: Leaf: Infusion, vinegar, bitters, salad, nibble,…
…hardier before transplanting them to the garden. Harvesting: Dig ashwagandha roots in the fall before the first frost. Wash and chop the roots right away, spreading them on screens or loose-weave baskets to dry. Make sure to dry them in a warm, ventilated space out of direct sunlight. Once dry, the roots can be stored, tinctured, or powdered. Note that…
…is growing clonally or replant the root crown with enough plant matter to support re-growth. If you are replanting a root crown or portion of a root system, take care to cut back some of the above ground stems to compensate for the root loss. In addition, make sure there are some buds present in the root system and replant…
