Rose Propagation

Roses are the most popular flower for home gardeners and we just cannot seem to get enough of them.

With the number of varieties available, and the array of colors and scents, it is no wonder we want more.

Propagating roses from cuttings is an easy and fun process for increasing your garden plants.

Propagating Roses from Cuttings

There are several things to consider when taking cuttings from roses for propagation.

Take cuttings in spring or early summer, before the weather gets too hot. The exception is gallicas, which root best in fall.

Take the cuttings from young stems, on which flowers are fading or have just fallen off. Leave two or three leaves attached to the cutting.

The leaves will produce rooting hormones to help the cutting develop strong roots. To keep the cuttings from wilting while you are cutting, mist them frequently.

Rose cuttings will form roots anywhere on the stem. To keep from crushing the stem, use clean, sharp cutters.

Cut a piece of stem about four to six inches long. Remove any flowers or buds that may be on the cutting.

Make a few half-inch slits through the bark at the base of the cutting, or strip the bark off one side at the base to encourage roots to grow all around the cut edge.

Although it is not necessary, rooting hormone will encourage stronger roots.

The rose stem will produce its own rooting hormone, but using a little commercial product helps ensure strong roots.

Dip the cut end into the rooting hormone and plant it in moist potting medium or moist sand. A 50/50 mix of potting soil and perlite provides a moisture-retaining medium.

Cover them with a plastic bag to maintain the humidity needed for rooting. Use small, short pots or trays to plant the cuttings, to make it easier to check for roots later.

Place the planted cuttings in bright light, but avoid intense afternoon sun.

Keep the soil warm by placing the pots or trays on heating mats or on a warm surface.

Provide good air circulation. Depending on when you plant them, the cuttings can take from two to eight weeks to root.

Late spring cuttings will usually root in two to four weeks, depending on variety. Cutting started in late summer to fall may take longer.

If you have used shallow trays or small pots, you will see roots growing through the drainage holes at the bottom.

If the cuttings are in larger pots, give them a little, light tug. If they offer resistance, the cuttings have started developing roots.

In addition, if there is no new leaf growth, the roots have either not started growing, or is not successful. If the cutting is growing new leaves, it is also growing roots.

Transplanting Roses from Cuttings

When the plants are ready to transplant to the garden, harden them off.

Place them in a cool, shaded area every day for about a week. Then start exposing them each day to a little more direct sunlight.

When they have developed large roots and new top growth, move them into brighter light.

When transplanting roses to their new garden location, wait until they are big enough to withstand the elements.

Plant them in the garden at the appropriate time for planting roses.

With a little patience, rose propagation can supply you with an assortment of roses from friends, neighbors or more from your own garden to add to your landscape.