Propagating Roses from Cuttings

By Ruth Roberts

My favorite method of starting cuttings is to plant them directly into the earth in mid-September, or weather permitting, into November.

1.      In a semi-shady area, prepare the soil for the cutting. Dig a hole and refill it with a mixture of compost and soil until it’s level with the surrounding soil.

2.      Cut a five- to six-inch rose stem that has a spent bloom and six or more leaf stalks

3.      Remove the bloom and the bottom two leaf stalks.

4.      Dip the stem end into Rootone powder.

5.      Insert the end several inches into the well-prepared soil (deep enough so it won’t dry out easily).

6.      Water the area well.

7.      Cover the cutting with a muddy quart-sized jar. (A pint jar may work for a small miniature cutting.)

Muddy the inside of the jar by rinsing with water and dusting with soil. This helps cut down on the intensity of the sun in this mini green house. You may want to stabilize the container with stakes so it doesn’t fall over easily.

8.      Water during the winter if there are dry spells.

9.      Remove the jar in late spring.

Often, the cutting will bloom the first year. It is safer to wait until the second year to move your little rose bush after its roots are well established. It is illegal to propagate patented roses for sale.