I'm pretty sure you are familiar with how to grow roses from cuttings. But learning how to do it properly is another question! Rooting rose stems cuttings done right will increase your chance of propagating your own roses successfully.
In this article, I'll be covering not just the basics. You'll also learn some advanced tips on how to grow roses from cuttings and more.
RELATED: Rose Gardens 101: How To Grow Roses You’ll Be Proud Of
How to Grow Roses From Cuttings | A Step-By-Step Guide
What You'll Need:
- rose cuttings
- planting spots or container
- clean sharp pruner
- warm water in a bucket or container
- rooting hormone (i.e. apple cider vinegar, honey)
- working gloves
Step 1. Determine the Best Time to Grow Roses From Cuttings
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Generally, you should be able to propagate roses from cuttings at any time. However, the best stem cuttings are usually from the new growths in Spring or early Summer. You'll have more success in these new stems rather than using hardened wood.
Specifically, you can propagate from any of three stages of the rose's new growth:
- Softwood cuttings are the new stems you find that are just starting to mature. The best softwood cuttings come from stems of a rose flower that is starting to drop its petals.
- Semi-hardwood cuttings are firmer stems that have matured for a while. You'll recognize these stems by the presence of rose hips or fruit.
- Hardwood cuttings are the dormant stems of the rose and the most difficult to propagate.
Step 2. Preparing the Planting Spots
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The first thing you should know is that rose cutting should be planted immediately. That is why the planting site should be ready before taking the cuttings.
Choose a spot in your garden where there is indirect sunlight. Better yet, the areas should have sunlight in the morning and shade during the hot mid-day to the afternoon.
Go for a light soil mix (a bit sandy) to allow the delicate roots to penetrate the soil easily. Don't forget to water your mix generously.
You can also opt to transplant your stem cuttings in containers and raised bed should the soil in your area not be optimal for roses.
Step 3. Taking Rose Stem Cuttings
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Cutting the rose stem is crucial, knowing how is the proper way is the key to successfully propagate a rose. Check below what is the best way to cut rose stems:
Procedure:
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Start by cutting an 8- to a 12-inch segment of the rose's new growth. Make sure to cut at a 45° angle.
- Remove the flowers (if any) and most of the leaves, except the two leaves on top. You want to train your cuttings to focus on rooting rather than developing flowers.
- Remove the extra stem just above the top leaves.
- Keep the cuttings moist at all times by dipping them in warm water.
RELATED: 11 Stunning Rose Variety Without Thorns For Hassle-Free Gardening
Step 3. Planting the Rose Cuttings
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After you've prepared the soil and the cuttings, it's time to plant.
- Using a rod or pencil, punch a hole 6 inches deep into the ground.
- Take the stem cuttings, make a fresh quarter slit just below the first nodes (bumps) at the bottom end of the stem.
- Dip the freshly cut bottom to the rooting hormone and stick to the hole. Make sure the hole is wide enough so as not to brush off the rooting hormone.
- Gently press the soil around your rose cuttings.
- Water well.
Step 4. Caring for Rose Plant
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If you live in an arid and dry area, you must ensure the soil around the plant remains moist but not soggy. You can do this by covering the plant in plastic. Make sure, however, the plastic is not touching the cuttings or the leaves.
As mentioned, keep a keen eye on the soil. Do not let it dry out. Watering every other day will do the trick.
Keep them well-fed with slow-release fertilizer to promote growth.
Continue with regular watering until after the rose shoots develop. Avoid watering over the bush as this may lead to powdery mildew and other diseases.
Your new rose plant will appreciate good airflow and mild sunlight in the morning.
Watch this video from Mike Kincaid on growing roses from stem cuttings using a soda container:
That ends the easy part of mastering how to grow roses from cuttings. The longer part is waiting. Expect that your rose bush will not have flowers for the first two years. Patience is indeed a virtue for roses.
However, once the roses bloom, it will be a sight to behold. And you'll have these flowers for more years to come!
What other methods do you know on how to grow rose? Let us know in the comments section below.
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