Does anyone know how to propagate an azalia? We have a gorgious deep
red, but unfortunately it came from a grocery store, therefore was
unnamed and unknown.We would like to redroduce them somehow, but have
no ideas except to bend a low branch down and cover it with earth
until it roots??? Andi

Hi Andi~

Azaleas can be difficult to propagate, so be sure you take several
cuttings. Azalea's root well in winter, but you can also give it a go
in late summer or early fall.

A tried-and-true method espoused by rhododendron and azalea experts
(and one that I've used successfully) is the following:

1. Take part of this year's growth and cut it off; it should be 3 to 4
inches long. The bottom should be cut at an angle.

2. Pull all the leaves upward with one hand and cut them to half their
original length.

3. If the cutting has a bud, pinch it off.

4. On each side of the stem, shave off about one inch of the hard
outer layer, exposing the soft inner layer.

5. Dip the cutting into rooting hormone.

6. Take a clear plastic disposable cup and punch 3 or 4 holes in the
bottom (from the inside out) with a pencil or icepick.

7. Fill the cup with half peat and half perlite. (This mixture must be
moist, but shouldn't drip water when squeezed.) Place the cutting in
the cup.

8. Place the end of one drinking straw into the mixture, on either
side of the cutting. Place the cutting inside a plastic zip-lock bag,
and seal it. (The straws help keep the plastic above the plant
itself.)

9. Place the cutting where it will get lots of light, but no direct
sun. When you can no longer see moisture on the side of the bag, ass
just a little water. (Don't over water, or you'll rot the cutting.)

For a similar method, take a look at "Rooting Rhododendron and Azalea
Cuttings," Don Hyatt: http://www.tjhsst.edu/~dhyatt/rhodocuttings.html

Regards,
Kriswrite

RESEARCH STRATEGY:
Researcher's personal knowledge

rooting Azalea
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=rooting+Azalea&btnG=Search

Happy to try out system advised.