Rooting cuttings is my favorite way to increase my plant collection. Some plants, like roses, are just hard to propagate any other way. Propagation by cuttings is very easy and requires little effort. You just have to be patient and wait for your cuttings to root…
Step 1:
Take a cutting from a healthy, sturdy, leafy cane. Choose ones with lots of rose buds (if propagating in the Spring) or lots of spent buds (if propagating in the Fall). Deadhead or nip off the buds and soft tips. Cut the bottom to just below a leaf node.
Step 2:
Rip off the leaves on the lowest node or two. Using a serrated knife, strip off the outer layers off the bottom inch.
Seedlings and cuttings in alternating spots
Step 3:
Stick it in your propagation bed, along with your seedlings. Same light and temperature conditions. Your cuttings will form roots in two months or less. I don’t use rooting hormones. I just use a mix of half perlite-half potting soil for all my plant propagation needs. If they don’t survive, they don’t belong in my garden. When it comes to plants in my perennial garden, it’s all about survival of the fittest. And ease.
- Tips:
- Take lots of cuttings per plant. About 66% of mine make it in my standard propagation medium.
- In central Texas, the best time for rooting cuttings is in November. Second best time is right now, March.
- Be patient.
