Propagating roses ... - Ask Extension
Hello! Thanks for your time and help!
We have three solid rose bushes in our yard and I wanted to propagate them in case we move to a new yard/hou...
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Propagating roses ... #750873
Asked May 19, 2021, 1:20 PM EDT
Hello! Thanks for your time and help!
We have three solid rose bushes in our yard and I wanted to propagate them in case we move to a new yard/house. When I pruned them earlier this year, I put about a dozen solid cuttings in water hoping they might sprout roots. Some still have leaves and other have even grown new leaves, but none have grown roots. (When I cut them, I did smash or cut the bottoms as I had read that would provide a better opening for new roots.) Is there a chance these cuttings could still root (it is 2-3 months later), or should I try propagating with new growth? If I should try new growth, would you have any tips or suggestions?
Thanks!!
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Sabrina,
"Crushing the end of the stem" is often suggested when displaying a bouquet of roses. Propagating a cutting uses a different technique. Then, too, rooting is less successful in water than if a potting media is used. A commercially-produced seed starting media works well, or use a plain potting soil.
Take fresh tip cuttings off your original rose bush, each one about 8 inches long and the diameter of a pencil. You can use either of the following:
"Crushing the end of the stem" is often suggested when displaying a bouquet of roses. Propagating a cutting uses a different technique. Then, too, rooting is less successful in water than if a potting media is used. A commercially-produced seed starting media works well, or use a plain potting soil.
Take fresh tip cuttings off your original rose bush, each one about 8 inches long and the diameter of a pencil. You can use either of the following:
- Spring cuttings of new growth (When you bend this growth, it should break off cleanly rather than be flexible and curve and/or squish.)
- Half-ripe wood, taken in late July, even if the stem has had flowers.
To take the cuttings and prepare them for potting:
- Cut the stems at an angle, about 1/4" below a node. (The bump on a stem where a leaf sprouts.)
- Keep the top 3 leaves, remove all the rest.
- Fill a one-gallon pot with moistened propagation mix or plain potting soil.
- Insert 3 to 4 stems into moist rooting media, spacing them in the pot; press very lightly to slightly firm the media.
- Water and drain well.
- Make a mini-greenhouse by placing the potted cuttings in a clear plastic bag and secure the top with a twist tie. Use 3 or 4 bamboo stakes at the edge of the pot to prop the bag off the cuttings.
- Set in a bright, but not sunny, place.
- Patiently wait, watering as needed, for about 6 weeks; actual time will depend upon prevailing temperatures.
- When firmly rooted, move into individual pots, using commercially produced potting mix. Water and fertilize as needed until planting into the garden.
