AboutTom Alonzo Expertise I have been growing plants from seeds for at least 20 years. I have grown literally hundreds of different kinds of vegetables, trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, tropicals, some cacti, water plants, iris, rose, lilies, cannas, etc. I enjoy starting from seed.
Experience I've been growing my own seeds for 20 years with indoor propagation equipment I built myself. I am also an Allexperts volunteer on the perennial forum. I have completed the Master Gardener course through the Kansas State University Extension. I have experience with a wide variety of seeds and I have also read through Norm Deno's books on seed germination.
Question QUESTION: How do I cut suckers off my snowball bush (they are very close to the bottom of the bush,all around it) and how do I then plant them to get them to grow?
ANSWER: Hi Gail,
Thanx for your question. Carefully, dig around the sucker until you locate roots and then sever it from the mother plant. Replant the suckers in the desired location and water them frequently. Side dress with well-composted cow manure. I hope this helps.
Tom
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QUESTION: Thanks for the quick answer! Now, this won't harm the main plant's roots (especially if we cut off many suckers - there are probably a dozen or more)? And should we wait till fall to do this? And does it take strength away from the plant if we DON't take the suckers off? If we just snip them at ground level will they grow back? Sorry for so many questions! Gail P.
Answer Hi Gail,
Thanx for your questions. Please don't be sorry for asking. That's what we're here for and I enjoy answering your questions. So, ask as many as you like.
Cutting suckers from the main plant will not harm the plant. Yes, it is better to wait until late August or early September when it is cooler and not so stressful on the plants. Suckers always pull a little strength from the main plant because that is where they get the majority of their nutrients. You can just mow over them if you like and yes, some of them will come back.
