"The Alps" have very small leaflets on a relatively thin bloomstalk - so propagation by rooting a peduncle is not impossible but the chance of success is relatively low. Just not enough plant tissue to suport the new growth. The larger the leaflets and the thicker the stem - the better are your chances.

Thanks Irina. I guess I'll take my chances - did about half of them yesterday. We will see what happens and let you know. I did follow Violet barns instructions and clipped flowers off until they no longer produced flowers which did allow the stems to enlarge. Kind of tedious but nowhere near the tomatoes I grafted this past spring!

Good For you!

I just looked at the instructions - excellent!

I apply a small amount of rooting hormone - i use Clonex gel. You can use another one - the important part - just a bit.

And keep it covered or bagged.

I.

Thanks irina! That's exactly what I did too. Will hope for the best! Will let you know that f they grow or not. Ken

This is one type of propagation I haven't tried yet. Is there an advantage to this over leaf propagation? I guess starting leaves is fine with me,,,,,,,for now. Rosie

Hi Rosie,

It's my understanding that chimeras do not reproduce true from a leaf due to their genetic makeup. The cell structure in a sucker or peduncle has more of a chance of producing a true duplicate of the original. So, to propagate them we use those avenues rather than a leaf cutting. So far, of the ones that I have put down some show signs of life yet after a couple of weeks, but as Irina said, The Alps has somewhat wimpy flower stems so we will see what happens. Others that I have flowering have much more substantial flower stems and the leafy little things on them so I might try propagating them to improve my technique. We will keep you informed. Of the ones that I am trying now we seem to see a small round green ball appearing. Hopefully that's a plantlet starting and not a mushroom. Ken

OMG! Food reference again! Mushrooms! (love them!!!!) This is too funny.

On a more serious note Ken, thanks for the explanation. I wasn't thinking of chimeras. I don't have any so they don't come to mind. But I am interested to see how yours turn out. Good Luck to you!!!!! Thanks! Rosie