So by 'propagate' do you mean grow from cuttings vs grow from seed? Both are easy. For cuttings, a little longer cutting may be easier to handle - 2" to 3", but any size is fine, just make sure you have a leaf node at the base. Root in perlite or vermiculite and make sure it's very moist. Use plastic to keep the moisture in. They should root within a few weeks. (You don't need rooting hormones.)

You might want to call the extension office back and help her to learn if you feel she's receptive.

Cynthia is right. I wonder if the extension agent meant that you SHOULDN'T propagate them for sale if they are a patented variety?

Thanks Cynthia, I am certainly going to try it as soon as they come out in my garden center. I had heard they were slow to grow as seeds and would rather just grow from cuttings.

No, she said that they will rot if I try. That the stem is much too fleshy and would only rot. Now I can understand if I said I just wanted to root them in water but I asked about both ways. And I think this individual is teaching the MG program. Oh well. Like I said she was very nice and sent me several pages on all the ways to propogate plants.

Watergal,

She never mentioned anything about patents, I'm sure because I specifically told her I was wanting to root them for my garden. I just want more bang for my frugal buck.

Thanks again!

She may have thought of New Guinea Impatients. I haven't been able to propagate them from cuttings. The regular ones do great in water, moist vermiculite, what have you. Easy,easy, easy!!