Propagation

Seeds

The propagation of roses by seed is not recommended owing to the length of time you have to wait for any result.

In order to secure established varieties seeds are used only in special cases, because they can only be relied upon to reproduce plants of their own kind when they are taken from original species.  Seeds of hybrids are useless for this end, as their seedlings do not conform to the parent stock.  In other words, hybrids do not come true from seeds, and their seeds are only useful for new varieties.

Layering

Many plants and some roses increase by layering, that is, throwing out a branch which becomes rooted and in turn sends out its branches to root themselves and carry out nature's work of increase.  Layering is not practised to any great extent, as it is a longer process than the others and requires not only more time to accomplish results, but also more space either in the greenhouse or nursery.

Suckers

Many of the roses increase by throwing out suckers, springing up at some distance from the parent plant, and forming roots at the place where they bend upwards.  These rooted suckers, after being separated from the plant, should be pruned back to a foot or even less, and then treated as ordinary plants.

Cuttings

Rose cuttings are slips taken from plants which, when placed in sand and soil, grow roots of their own and become in turn rose plants, giving the same bloom as the plants from which they were cut.  Very often they are given greenhouse care and while this is not necessary, it obtains, perhaps surer and better results.

Rose cuttings are a simple and economical way to propagate root roses.  Take the rose cuttings in the cooler months when the roses are not blooming.  A sharp knife should be used to make a 45 degree cut on the stem.  Cut below a leaf node, the rose cutting should be 6" to 8" long.

Rake off any leaves on the lower part of the rose cutting, but leave the leaves on at the top of the stem.  Dip the cut end of the rose stem in rooting hormone.