How to Plant Rose Cuttings

Many roses are easily propagated by cuttings. Whether you are relocating a favorite rose bush or making a gift for a neighbor, you are sure to enjoy this simple procedure. You can expand your rose garden for the price of a pair of garden shears and a few minutes of your time. Rose cuttings are best made during the fall when the weather is mild. This makes it an ideal activity for a time when the rest of the garden is winding down.

Things You'll Need

• Rose bush
• Gardening shears
• Rooting hormone
• Compost
• Flower pot (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   Cut off about 8 to 10 inches of stem from a branch that has recently bloomed. Make sure that there are 3 to 4 inches of stem below the lowest set of leaves.

2. 

   Remove any buds, spent flowers or rose hips from the cutting down to the first set of leaves.

3. 

   Remove all foliage from the bottom four inches and make a cut along one side of the bottom of the cutting.

4. 

   Place the cutting in rooting hormone and then plant it either in a pot or in the ground in mild climates.

5. 

   Provide the cutting with plenty of compost and keep it moist.

6. 

   Plant your cutting in the ground once it is firmly rooted, water it well, and enjoy your new roses.

Tips & Warnings

• Make cuttings in the fall. Keep your cuttings from getting either too cold or too hot and make sure they are moist at all times. Prepare some extra cuttings for neighbors or friends.

• Patented roses cannot be legally propagated until the patent expires. Only make cuttings from healthy stems from the current year's growth.

References

• Rose Propagation from Cuttings

Resources

• Propagation Techniques