Propagation Nutrients

First feeds to take cuttings from stick to rooted plant

A cutting's nutrient needs change fast in the first two weeks — nothing while it has no roots, then a very gentle first feed once roots appear. Clonex Rooting Gel (£8.50) goes on at the cut itself to trigger root formation, while Clonex Mist (from £7.95) is a foliar spray for the same early stage, keeping the cutting hydrated through the leaf while roots aren't yet doing that job.

Once roots are visible, Canna Vega Start (from £10.95) and Mills Start (from £16.95) are built as the first proper feed — low-strength, balanced formulas that ease a rooted cutting into full nutrition rather than shocking it with a normal veg-strength feed straight away. Both are formulated specifically for this transition stage rather than general growth.

Buying advice

Don't jump straight to a full-strength base feed the moment roots appear — a start formula for the first week or two protects a root system that's still finding its feet. See our rooting boosters for stimulants to use alongside a first feed. Free UK delivery over £50, or call 020 3488 0419 for a feeding schedule.