about mailing or storing cuttings

[PunkinPeep]

I'm not sure where to post this, but i'm sure one of you will read this.

Reading about the seed train inspired my curiosity here.

If i want to send a cutting to someone 1000 miles away, what do i need to do to it so it benefits them when it gets there? I'm sure that might depend on the species, but some generalized direction would be helpful.

Along those same lines, can i take cutting of certain species now and then store them in some manner that will allow me to root them in the spring - or whenever i'm ready to do so?

Please please instruct me.

 

[patandchickens]

Dormant woody stuff can be sent 'straight', in slightly dampened sawdust or sphagnum in a ziploc baggie. Can also be stored over winter, that is actually how oldwood cuttings are generally done (cut, bundle, store horizontally in damp sand somewhere cool/cold but not excessively so, then remember (!) in late winter and pot up so they will start to root, some of 'em anyhow).

Big fat succulent things could probably be sent (in a protective box) 'straight', as long as they got there fairly quickly.

Anything else should be well rooted and growing happily on its own before sending, then mail in its potted growing state (more expensive b/c weight) or semi-dormant and bareroot amongs slightly dampened sphagnum or sawdust (cheaper but season-sensitive).

Good luck, have fun,

Pat