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Does rooting powder go off ?

• Message 1. 

  Posted by ivyhouse (U13788805) on Tuesday, 6th March 2012

  I'm hoping to do some chrysanth cuttings this weekend and have had my pot for about four years now. Will it still be any good ?

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by John Moodie (U14353581) on Tuesday, 6th March 2012

  Hello ivyhouse,
  I've read that it should be good for 5yrs if it hasn't gotten wet. I hear the old timers in France use icing sugar. Anyway I always buy a fresh little bottle every few years.

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• Message 3

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by Tee Gee (U10012255) on Tuesday, 6th March 2012

  The answer to your question is yes!
  
  It is supposed to have a shelf life of one year.
  
  Having said that a lot depends upon how you use it in my opinion.
  
  I never dip a cutting in the pot as this could contaminate the whole pot, I tend to place a drop on a plant saucer for each batch I do, then I throw away what I don't use, rather than put it back in the pot!
  
  In this way I have used it in successive years but not as much as four years,
  
  Regarding using it on Chrysants, I have found that I get equally as good rooting rates not using it, as I do when I use it!, so I consider it to be an optional task.
  
  This is how I do it;
  
  I think the silver sand top dressing I use creates ideal rooting conditions i.e. as I push the cutting into the compost the silver sand trickles into the hole formed, and helps drainage, so therefor reduces the chances of damping off or stem rot!
  
  Note I don't dibble my cuttings in, I push them in, meaning there are no cavities around the stem, which I also think helps the rooting process.
  
  These suggestions are only an opinion, but it seems to work for me!
  

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• Message 4

  , in reply to message 3.

  Posted by Paul N (U6451125) on Tuesday, 6th March 2012

  I know what is said but my Boots Rooting Compound must be getting on for THIRTY years old now and I still use it was great success. I shall continue to use it until such time it regularly fails me.

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• Message 5

  , in reply to message 4.

  Posted by lilylouise (U3205282) on Tuesday, 6th March 2012

  I hardly ever use rooting powder but have always understood that it should be bought fresh every year
  Pam x

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