September 13, 2025, 1:05 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
In early fall, hobby gardeners enter a particularly rewarding phase: The new planting season begins—without any additional costs. Many perennials in the garden can be propagated easily in early fall. The Industrial Association for Agriculture (IVA) explains which method is suitable for which plants and shows how to quickly multiply a single plant.
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1. Collect and Sow Seeds
Sowing is a proven method, especially for wild perennials like liverwort, yarrow, or lady’s mantle. The mature flower heads are harvested just before the seeds fall to the ground. These are left to fully ripen in a dry, cool place.
Many of these plants require a natural cold stimulus to germinate, explains the IVA. Therefore, sowing in the fall is recommended—either directly into the bed or in seed trays in an unheated greenhouse.
Related: 4 Mistakes to Avoid When Harvesting Seeds
2. Use Runners as New Plants
Another straightforward technique is cutting off runners. This method is particularly suitable for plants like wild strawberries, golden strawberries, or certain types of betony. Runners that have already formed their own roots are separated from the mother plant with a sharp spade. They are then planted in humus-rich soil and continue to grow independently.
3. Divide and Rejuvenate Older Perennials
Perennials like delphiniums, asters, yarrow, or bellflowers benefit from division—for both propagation and rejuvenation. The entire plant is carefully dug up and divided into several pieces with a sharp spade or knife.
Important: Each piece should have a shoot and sufficient root mass, advises the IVA. After planting, the divided pieces should be pressed firmly and watered thoroughly.
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4. Root Cuttings for Strong Plants
For perennials with strong root systems like mullein, Turkish poppy, or torch lily, propagation through root cuttings is suitable. About two-inch-long root pieces are cut and placed vertically in seed soil. The top end should slightly protrude from the soil.
In a bright and cool location, the cuttings can then grow. Once young plants have formed, they are pricked out and later planted outdoors.
5. Divide Rhizomes
Robust perennials like iris, cranesbill, or giant lily can be propagated through their rhizomes. Rhizomes are thickened, underground stem axes. They are divided into pieces with a sharp knife, with each segment having at least one bud. The pieces are then laid flat in the soil directly in the bed and covered with some earth. Usually, it doesn’t take long for them to grow and form new shoots.
Using the right method, many perennials can be easily propagated in early fall, making them more vital and long-lasting—without purchasing new ones at the garden center.
With material from dpa