Hello all. I'm in Zone 6b (Maryland) and in my second year of a naturalistic
gardening project. I'm lucky to have several microclimates: full sun,
partial sun, filtered shade, deep shade and a natural spring fed bog.

I'm going to try and propagate several perennials by the cutting method, but
was wondering if it's worth the effort and what techniques to use.
Everything I have coming up now was planted from 1 gallon nursery container
stock. I'm putting more nursery stock in, but want to stretch my dollars.

PLANTS:
Bee Balm, Leopard Bane, Purple coneflower*, black eyed Susan*, Indian
blanket flower*, tickseed*, old fashioned bleeding heart.

QUESTIONS:
I'm familiar w/ the basics, but was wondering what mediums are best -
standard soil, sterilized starter mix, perilite or just plain water. I want
to avoid damping off (fungus). Rooting hormone? Should I do it before the
buds flower, or during flowering? Will there be enough time to get them
established before the first frosts (late Oct.).

I have collected seed from those marked "*." Can I direct sow now in some
bare spots once the last frost date has passed, or should I wait until Fall?
I did the refrigerator thing and they've been at room temp. for about
3 -4weeks now. I know they probably won't bloom this year, but I'm patient.
I am wondering if the seeds are viable since all the plants came from the
same source and am assuming there's not much genetic diversity there, but
maybe they're self pollinating.

Also, can I divide the above plants w/ a knife right out of the nursery
containers w/ a reasonable chance of success?

TIA for any advice. Sorry about the lengthly post. - Zing