Part 4: Propagation by division and bulb scaling
3. Propagation by bulb scaling
Bulb scaling = splitting a bulb into many pieces, each one containing scales and a section of base plate, in order to clone it.
This method is a bit fiddly but produces a lot of new plants from a single bulb and so is worth the effort.
Bulb scaling (YouTube, 6:58)
()
Have a go at bulb scaling. If it is not the correct time of year to have ornamental bulbs to propagate, then have a practice with an onion!
Tip: Larger bulbs are easier and less fiddly to practice with than small bulbs while you are learning the technique – onions are easier than snowdrops!
Do some research online about the best plants to propagate by bulb scaling. Make a note of any favourites that you would like to try to propagate by bulb scaling in the future.