With their massive, trumpet-shaped blooms and vibrant colors, Angel’s Trumpets (*Brugmansia*) are the absolute stars of the garden during the summer. It’s no wonder so many of us want more of them! If you’ve fallen in love with these exotic beauties and want to expand your collection, you’ve got a few great options to make it happen.
Why propagate your Angel’s Trumpet?
Beyond just wanting more of that stunning tropical look, there are some practical reasons to propagate. Angel’s Trumpets are a bit like divas—they’re sensitive to frost and can be picky about their water. Having a “backup” plant or two is always a smart move in case a surprise cold snap hits. Plus, a rooted cutting makes a fantastic, thoughtful gift for your fellow gardening friends.
Cuttings vs. Seeds
When it comes to growing new plants, you have two main paths: starting from seeds or using cuttings. I’ll be honest with you—growing from seed is definitely the “hard mode” version. These plants are finicky from the start, so unless you’re really looking for a horticultural challenge, I highly recommend going with cuttings. It’s much faster and more reliable.
How to propagate with cuttings
If you’re ready to give cuttings a try, here’s my simple step-by-step guide:
- Look for healthy shoots from the flowering part of the plant, about 4 to 6 inches long.
- Snip them off and strip away the leaves from the bottom half.
- Fill small pots with a good seed-starting mix and tuck your cutting right in.
- Place the pots somewhere warm (aim for about 65 to 70°F).
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but make sure it’s not soggy—nobody likes “wet feet.”
In about two to four weeks, your cuttings should start developing roots. Once they’re established, you can move them into a larger pot. Pro tip: While you can use older, woodier stems from lower down on the plant, they don’t root nearly as easily as the younger, greener growth.
Growing Angel’s Trumpet from seed
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try the seed method. You don’t even have to buy them; you can harvest seeds from your own plant once the blooming season is over and the seed pods have fully ripened. Safety first: Always wear gloves when handling any part of an Angel’s Trumpet, as they are highly toxic.
Once you’ve dried and stored your seeds, you can plant them in seed-starting mix in early spring. Just like the cuttings, they need a warm spot (65-70°F) to wake up. I recommend covering the pots with a clear plastic dome or wrap to keep the humidity high and the soil moist. You should see those little sprouts popping up in about two to three weeks!
