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Three Ways to Propagate Roses Using Cuttings |
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Written by Shelly B.
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Friday, 29 September 2006 |
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As the pioneers travelled across the United States envisioning their new life's beginnings, their mason jars were tucked securely in their wagons containing the rose cuttings taken from their gardens waiting to be planted in their new home lands.
Today, using rose cuttings to create new rose bushes is still one of the most inexpensive preferred and fun projects a gardener can choose to do. There is no exact science for success, most gardeners seem to have their own special secret trick. Below you will find the three most common ways to propagate roses from their own cuttings. Experiment for yourself to find the one that is best suited for you.
The "Stick in the Ground" Method
This method is the easiest and most basic of all. Step one is to locate a good stem for cutting. Choose a healthy stem that is green, approximately 12 inches long and disease free. For best results, choose a stem from a rose bush that has just started to bud that has at least three buds on it. Water the rose bush prior to cutting the stem to ensure that the stem is properly hydrated when you plant it. Use a sharp pair of pruning shears to remove the stem from the bush. Cutting at a 45 degree angle, cut the stem just above the top bud making a clean cut and then make another cut just below the bottom bud on the stem. Them remove all of the buds and leaves remaining on the stem. Now you are ready to plant your cutting. Choose a spot in the garden where it will be protected from the harsh winter weather or foot traffic. The spot you select should have adequate drainage and fertile soil, preferably direct sunlight. Make a small hole in the ground and place the cutting approximately halfway down in to it. Pat the soil firmly around the cutting ensuring it will not fall over. Keep the ground moist and mark the spot where you planted the cutting to prevent accidental removal during cleanup.
The Mason Jar Method
Use the same method as above except when you are finished planting the cutting, cover it with a glass mason jar. Water the soil around the mason jar often to ensure the cutting does not dry out and in approximately two months you should see new growth beginning to sprout from your cutting.
The Potting Method
Once again use the same method as above, only this time when you are ready to plant your cutting you will need to have small plastic gardening pots to plant them in. To prepare the pots for planting, fill them with potting soil. Then push the rose cutting
about half way down into the dirt. Place the pot in a sunny window if possible. Water regularly keeping the soil moist. This method is preferred by most as it allows the gardener to watch his or her cuttings progress on a daily basis. |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 08 December 2006 )
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