While Thrift (Armeria), also known as Sea Pink, grows wild all over the globe, it’s actually becoming a bit of a rare sight in some parts of Europe. To make sure this charming little plant stays a staple in your own backyard, it’s a great idea to propagate it every now and then. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to get more plants for your garden!
Sowing Thrift Seeds
If you’ve picked out the perfect spot for your Thrift, you might get lucky with some natural self-seeding. If you want the plant to do the work for you, just make sure you don’t deadhead those faded flowers—the seeds need time to ripen on the stem. Of course, you can also collect the seeds yourself or buy a packet to start a new patch exactly where you want it. Aim to sow them outdoors between August and September. If you miss that window, don’t worry! You can start them indoors in seed trays between February and March.
Growing from Cuttings
Another great way to multiply your Thrift is by taking cuttings. It’s a straightforward process—here’s how you do it:
- Snip off young shoots (about 3 to 4 inches long) right above the soil line.
- Stick them into small pots filled with sand or a sandy peat mix.
- Cover the pots with a clear plastic bag or dome to keep the humidity in.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
You should see new roots forming in about six weeks. You’ll know they’ve “taken” when you start seeing fresh green growth popping up on the cuttings!
Dividing the Root Ball
One little quirk about Thrift is that it tends to get a bit brown and “tired” looking in the center as it ages. The best way to fix this is to divide the root ball every three or four years. Think of it as a spa day for your plant—it completely rejuvenates it! When you dig it up, just be careful not to damage the root system too much. Check for any mushy or diseased spots and trim those away. If everything looks healthy, you can simply pull the clump apart into several smaller sections by hand and replant them.
